The Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) says its member, Baird Gore, has been released from police custody without charge after the Officer Commanding at Harare Central’s Law & Order Section declined to proceed with the case.
In a statement seen by ZiGoats.com, CDF confirmed that Gore had initially been transferred from Machipisa Police Station to Harare Central. However, the alleged offence of “holding an illegal demonstration” was deemed unsustainable. CDF said:
“UPDATE: BAIRD GORE RELEASED – NO CHARGES … the Officer Commanding declined to proceed with any charges against Baird Gore. The alleged offence of ‘holding an illegal demonstration’ was deemed unsustainable,”
According to the group, Gore was returned to Machipisa Police Station and later released into the custody of his legal representative from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).
The development follows earlier dramatic allegations by CDF that Gore was abducted, assaulted and forcibly removed from hospital before completing medical treatment. Those claims have not yet been publicly addressed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
While welcoming the decision not to prosecute, CDF strongly condemned what it described as serious human rights violations. The statement read:
“We strongly condemn the events that preceded it, including Baird’s abduction, assault and unlawful removal from hospital before he had received full medical attention. These serious allegations demand investigation.”
The organisation also called on police to investigate the alleged kidnapping and torture rather than “targeting victims of violence for peaceful civic expression.”
Police have reportedly indicated interest in interviewing two other CDF members who were present during the Machipisa walkabout.
The case unfolds against ongoing tensions over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 of 2026, with civic groups warning that the matter tests Zimbabwe’s commitment to constitutional rights, due process and the rule of law
Leave a Reply