Johannesburg - Zimbabwean Pastor Evan Mawarire, who organised a “stay at home” anti-government protest last week, said on his Twitter page on Tuesday that police had charged him with inciting violence.
“Pastor Evan Mawarire is being charged with section 36 for inciting public violence and disturbing peace,” a tweet from Mawarire's #ThisFlag protest page said.
Pastor Evan Mawarire is being charged with section 36 for inciting public violence and disturbing peace. #ThisFlag pic.twitter.com/peCIdIF8Iu
— #ThisFlag (@ThisFlag1980) July 12, 2016
Earlier Mawarire said he had been ordered to report to the police on Tuesday, stoking tensions on the eve of more demonstrations over the state of the economy.
Mawarire - who has issued a series of online video statements tapping into mounting public anger over corruption, high unemployment and other economic woes - said no one had told him the reasons for the order.
Mawarire said the police criminal investigations department in Harare had called him on Monday evening, telling him to go to the city's central station. "I will be going there because we have not broken any law," he told Reuters.
Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said she had no details on the issue and could not immediately comment.
Mawarire called a one day shut-down last week that closed businesses across the southern African nation, the biggest strike action since 2005.
More protests were planned on Wednesday and Thursday as part of his #ThisFlag movement - a reference to a reflection on the colours of the national flag during one of his talks.
Zimbabweans's use of the Internet in recent weeks to mobilise for street protests has bypassed traditional opposition parties.
Last Friday police summoned and arrested Prosper Mkwananzi, spokesman for social media group Tajamuka (We refuse) on charges of public violence. Mkwananzi was freed on $300 bail on Monday.
Mugabe, Africa's oldest leader at 92, has led the former British colony since independence in 1980.
Reuters