Baptist minister Evan Mawarire has become a household name in Zimbabwe since he started a social media campaign in April that has tapped into mounting public anger over corruption, high unemployment and economic woes.
Africa's oldest leader at 92, Mugabe has led the former British colony since independence in 1980. Since then it has gone from being one of the continent's most promising countries to an economic basket case with a reputation for rights abuses.
After initially ignoring his grainy online videos, shot on a cellphone and calling for a mass 'stay at home', Mugabe's administration has started to push back, especially after they attracted support from thousands of unpaid civil servants.
"Yes, he has been arrested for inciting public violence and disturbing peace," Mawarire lawyer Harrison Nkomo told Reuters. He said police had raided his client's Harare home, office and church.
Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba was not available to comment on the charges.
A copy of a search warrant seen by Reuters said police believed Mawarire was in possession of a stolen police helmet, button stick and "other subversive material" that could be used to incite public violence.
The law under which the bespectacled 39-year-old has been detained carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. According to Zimbabwean law, he must appear in court within 48 hours. He was summoned by police early on Tuesday morning.
Mawarire said on Tuesday he broke no law in calling for a one day shut-down last week. That protest closed businesses across the southern African nation, the biggest strike since 2005.
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