Courtroom Controversy: Muslim Man Kicked Out for Wearing Religious Robe
MASVINGO – “Thrown Out for His Faith” — A 78-year-old Muslim man was ejected from the Masvingo High Court simply for wearing a religious robe, igniting outrage and raising urgent questions about religious freedom and police conduct in Zimbabwe’s justice system.
Adams Asipu had travelled from Harare to attend a bail appeal hearing for his relative, Ali Allan Mamudu, who was sentenced to 12 years for illegal possession of 175 kilograms of dagga valued at US$22,000.
The hearing was scheduled at the High Court in Masvingo, and Asipu arrived early, dressed in a thawb — a long, ankle-length robe traditionally worn by Muslim men.
While seated in the court’s reception area, Asipu was approached by a police officer who informed him that he could not enter the courtroom wearing the thawb.
Despite the warning, Asipu proceeded to Courtroom A to attend the hearing.
The officer followed him inside and ordered him to leave.
Asipu was forced to sit in his car for the entire duration of the proceedings — an experience he described as humiliating and unjust.
“I was chased out like I did not belong.This is unacceptable religious segregation,” he said, visibly shaken.
Legal experts have stated that the police acted outside the law.
Prominent lawyer Trust Sengwayo told The Mirror that the officer’s actions violated Sections 60 and 56 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and protection against discrimination.
“There is no legislation that prohibits the wearing of a thawb. The case in point is In Re Chikweche, a 1995 ruling where the Supreme Court upheld the right of a Rastafarian lawyer to wear dreadlocks in court as part of his religious beliefs,” Sengwayo said.
Tafadzwa Mbwachena of Ruvengo Maboke Legal Practitioners, who represented Mamudu, said the incident highlights the urgent need to educate court officers on constitutional rights and religious tolerance.
“This kind of ignorance undermines the justice system,” he said.
According to The Mirror, Judicial Service Commission (JSC) spokesperson Daniel Nemukuyu had not responded to questions by the time of publication.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi referred all inquiries to the JSC.
Sheikh Ishmail Duwa, President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, confirmed that Islamic attire is permitted in court.
“Our dressing is not prohibited in court. Maybe the police officer did not know that,” Duwa said.
The incident has sparked calls for institutional reform and greater sensitivity within Zimbabwe’s justice system, particularly regarding religious freedoms and equal access to public institutions.
