Authorities in Harare think that 18-year-old Angelista Charama left Zimbabwe after being arrested during a police raid on a private party in the Waterfalls suburb. Police called the gathering a "gay party" and arrested Charama and several others. Charama, afraid of facing serious charges, left the country soon after being released on bail, getting a student visa to North Cyprus.
The raid happened late at night, with police bursting into the house, stopping the party, and arresting everyone there. Witnesses said that officers roughly handcuffed the guests and put them in a police vehicle before taking them to a local station. Among those arrested were 21-year-old Tinotenda Marimbe, 19-year-old Princess Kanengoni, 20-year-old John Nyari, 22-year-old Steven Katsenge, 21-year-old Emily Jonasi, 19-year-old Mike Dzvene, and 23-year-old Kim Chisero.
Zimbabwe's laws make same-sex relationships illegal, and gatherings like this one are against the law. Police condemned the event, saying it went against the country’s values and would not be allowed.
Charama and the others faced long questioning sessions, where police accused them of breaking the law and being involved in "unnatural acts." Officers reportedly insulted them and threatened them with long prison sentences. Charama and the others were kept in a small cell for several days without being allowed to contact their families or a lawyer.
After a few days, most of the group was released after paying a fine of $80 each for misconduct. Charama, however, was facing more serious charges. Afraid of what might happen next, she decided to leave Zimbabwe and traveled to North Cyprus as soon as she was released.
This situation shows how hard life can be for LGBTQ people in Zimbabwe, where there are no legal protections and society can be very unfriendly. While the other detainees managed to avoid further legal trouble after paying their fines, they remain under close watch. Charama’s escape to North Cyprus highlights her desperate need to find safety and live without fear.
