Zimbabwean opposition politician Roy Bennett, holding his dog, Vickie, at his home in Harare. Bennett is facing a treason trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow Robert Mugabe. (Alex Duval Smith/GlobalPost)

HARARE, Zimbabwe — With his dapper suits and black-dyed mini-moustache, President Robert Mugabe has come to represent the image of the modern-day dictator.

His nemesis is a heavy-set, plain-talking, pink-skinned accidental politician who runs a panel-beating business and greets visitors cradling Vickie, his dachshund.

Arguably the most popular man of any race in Zimbabwe, 52-year-old Roy Bennett has begun a court ordeal in the capital, Harare, in which he faces life in jail for allegedly plotting to overthrow Mugabe in 2006.

Currently on bail, the...