The Leader of the #ThisFlag Movement Has Been Arrested Amid Protests in Zimbabwe

As the nationwide shutdown in Zimbabwe enters its third day, Pastor Evan Mawarire, leader of the 2016 #ThisFlag movement, has been arrested by police and is currently being detained. His arrest comes after his active involvement in the current anti-government protests following the announcement of crippling fuel hikes last week.

Evan Mawarire is an outspoken Zimbabwean activist whose #ThisFlag movement sparked the first ever widespread revolt against the Zanu-PF lead Zimbabwean government in 2016. He has been a constant thorn to the side of the government who have had him arrested multiple times on bogus charges only for him to be released by the courts.

After armed police allegedly spent close to two hours at Mawarire's house in Harare, he was subsequently arrested and seen leaving with the police today.

According to TimesLIVEive, Teldah Mawarire told AFPreporters that:

"Armed police surrounded his residence this morning and he has been picked up. We don't know for what purpose. I was directly in contact with him until he was taken and he could no longer be online. We are very concerned."

Since the nationwide shutdown began, five people have been shot dead and 25 others wounded in clashes with the police and the army. The government has also shutdown the country's access to social media and Internet through directives they have given to major network service providers.

READ: The Zimbabwean Government has Reportedly Shutdown the Internet

It is alleged that Mawarire has been arrested for inciting violence during the protests.