ON Saturday 16th, police officers released the nine WOZA members who had been in detention since Wednesday night. Two members, Samukeliso Sibanda and Jema Gama, were asked to report to the police station this morning (Monday).

Upon arrival, the two were advised that they were to be charged with being a ‘public nuisance’ under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. They were then taken to the Magistrates Court where they appeared before Magistrate Charity Maphosa. The defence lawyer from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights advised that they plead guilty, which they did. The magistrate will deliver a ruling at 11:15 on Tuesday 19 August 2008. The charge normally carries a fine.

Whilst the two women appear in court on the 19th, WOZA will launch a report on the trauma experiences of its members in Johannesburg, South Africa, entitled ‘Counting the Cost of Courage: Trauma Experiences of Women Human Rights Defenders in Zimbabwe’.

AT 10am 7 May 1400 members from Bulawayo civic organisations including WOZA members marched to demand an apology from President Robert Mugabe for tribal slurs made at the SADC summit.

First stop after the march started was at the Human Rights Commission offices along Fife Street. Commissioners did not come out to address the peaceful citizens. Fortunately an ‘early bird’ had already dropped in before the protest to deliver the petition.

The procession then proceeded to the Mhlahlandlela government complex to deliver a petition to government to disassociate themselves with the president’s insults. At the complex 12 anti-riot police officers blocked the gate into the complex refusing to allow any delegation to go in to hand over the petition to the resident minister Ms. Sandi or welcome her to address the crowd. Fortunately a copy had already made its way by early bird into her office.

Members sang song calling for unity of all Zimbabweans and an end to discrimination. Several civic leaders address the crowd calling for the president to apologise soon. Leaders also detailed the long track record of tribal and racial discrimination suffered by Zimbabweans and said enough was enough.

A young Kalanga lady speaking in the Kalanga language also addressed the crowd. She said that it was Mugabe’s intention to push people out of Zimbabwe that is why he has dis-invested the building of schools in Matabeleland causing challenges in people of Matabeleland getting an education.

The procession peacefully dispersed with police officers remaining in position at the government complex gate.

WOZA wish to thank the Zimbabwe Republic Police for practising restraint today unlike the Valentine’s Day procession where they forcefully pushed WOZA members out to the industrial area beating those who tried to divert to their commuter points.
CSOs Petition to the Human Rights Commission of Zimbabwe

CSOs Petition to the Government of Zimbabwe

Hundreds of members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (MOZA) took to the streets of Bulawayo this morning, marching for several blocks to Mhlahlandlela Government Complex to declare a national disaster and demand immediate food aid for all Zimbabweans. Nine members have been arrested at the time of this release.

On arrival at the Government Complex, the group of approximately 200 sat down outside the gates whilst a delegation of four elderly women went in to request that the Regional Department Heads of all the service departments come out and address the crowd on what is being done to alleviate the humanitarian crisis facing the country.

The group sat peacefully waiting to be addressed for 45 minutes before five riot police approached the group. Two leaders, Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, were arrested and taken to Drill Hall, which is across the road from Mhlahlandlela. The rest of the group were forcibly dispersed by being beaten with baton sticks. At least one member is receiving medical attention for the beating she received. Williams and Mahlangu were later taken to Bulawayo Central Police Station, where they are currently being held.

It appears that a group of seven women were arrested before the demonstration began as they were sitting waiting for the signal to start. They were apparently sitting near some black market foreign exchange dealers and were arrested along with them. They have also been taken to Bulawayo Central Police Station. Lawyers are still trying to verify reports that the group had been beaten inside Bulawayo Central.

The peaceful protestors had begun their march near the High Court and processed several blocks to Mhlahlandlela, singing and handing out the October 2008 Woza Moya newsletter to passers-by who rushed out into the street to receive them. A copy of the October 2008 newsletter with the group’s demands can be found below.

The demonstrators also paused at two intersections to sit down whilst chanting in Ndebele – ‘ayihlale phansi ihambe umthetho’ (sit down and maintain discipline). As during their last demonstration two weeks ago, this was sang both as a way to ensure that the activists maintained non-violent discipline and also as a message to politicians to sit down and respect the deal. Other songs sang include a WOZA favourite – ‘this is an issue that men are failing to solve’.

The protest was further to a previous peaceful protest on 29 September where the theme was ‘actions speak louder than words’. The political impasse continues a month after the power-sharing agreement was signed and the crisis facing people in their daily lives deteriorates dramatically every day. The power-sharing deal mentions grave concern for the humanitarian crisis facing people and yet still nothing has been done. People and children are dying of starvation whilst the politicians continue to talk.

WOZA therefore continues to demand immediate action regarding the formation of a new government that will begin to work on solving urgent social issues, like food, electricity and water. Recognising that the situation in the country is now a national disaster we also demand that ALL Zimbabweans receive access to food aid and also seed and agricultural inputs.

In other news, both groups of members facing trial this week have been removed off remand. On Tuesday 14th, the decision on the application for review of the case of Cynthia Ncube and Trust Moyo was not ready. Whilst the decision from the High Court is pending, they were removed off remand.

The ‘Chikurubi 14’ due to face trial in Harare Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 15th, were also removed off remand. The docket was not available and although the State tried to insist that they were ready for trial and were trying to get the group further remanded for trial, the Magistrate upheld the resolution that she had made on 26th August that if the trial did not take off on the 15th October, the group would be removed off remand.

We also ask that you call Bulawayo Central Police Station on +263 9 72515, 61706 or 63061 and ask for the immediate release of all WOZA members including Williams and Mahlangu and that they not be mistreated in custody.

Two WOZA members, including a 15 year-old girl, were arrested in Bulawayo on Saturday afternoon. They were held for two days by police before being released late last night with no charge.

It appears that ZANU PF members in the area had witnessed some people taking a bag into the house of a WOZA member. They alerted the police who waited outside the house as no one was home. When one of the women went to the house to ask for salt, she was arrested by the four plain-clothed police officers who accused her of being a WOZA member. When the 15-year-old daughter of the house arrived shortly afterwards, she was also arrested. Police then illegally entered the house and confiscated a bag of WOZA flyers.

When the older woman shouted to a neighbour that she was being arrested, she was hit by one of the police officers who told her to keep quiet and not tell anyone, as their being arrested ‘was a secret’. The two were then taken to Pumula Police Station where they were questioned about WOZA leaders, Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, both who are currently in Chikurubi Women’s Prison. They were threatened with death if they did not answer the questions correctly. One police officer, a sergeant, also constantly demanded that the young girl have sex with him and threatened to have her sent to prison if she refused. She however continued to resist, saying that she would rather die in prison than get disease.

Both were questioned for several hours. The 15-year-old girl was finally released at 2am but was told to return to the police station in the morning. She was accompanied back to her house by two male police officers who continued to pressure her to sleep with them. The other woman was kept in the charge office at Pumula Police Station and made to sleep handcuffed to a pole, apparently because she was a high flight risk.

The questioning of both women continued in the morning. When a lawyer tried to gain access to them, he was turned away and told that he could not see his clients without the permission of Law and Order officers from Bulawayo Central Police Station. The two were taken to Bulawayo Central in the afternoon where they were questioned in the presence of their lawyer. Both were released around 7.30pm without charge and ordered not to tell anyone in their area that they had been set free.

Police went back to the neighbourhood in the afternoon however and searched the house of another woman whom they accused of being a WOZA member. They did not find any WOZA materials and left. They have threatened to search every house in the neighbourhood however as they say that the entire area is obviously WOZA.

Meanwhile, the trial of two other members, Trust Moyo and Cynthia Ncube, on charges of distributing materials likely to cause a breach of the peace, has been postponed to 8th July.

REQUEST FOR REMAND
Station: C.I.D. LAW AND ORDER HARARE Prosecutor’s Ref: C.R: 1695/05/2008
Section: C.I.D LAW AND ORDER HARARE. DR 08/5/08 C.R.B. No: 3883/2008
Investigating Officer: Mirimbo A. 043465T Prison No.
(Note: In the case of joint accused, all are to be included on same Request for Remand Form)

Section A
Accused: (full names, N.R/R.C., etc.) JENNIFFER WILLIAMS      Age: 46 yrs

Arrested (date) 28th MAY 2008 Time: 1200hrs

Section B
Offence(s) – COUNT 1. C/S 31(a) (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification & Reform) Act Chapter 9.23 “publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state”
COUNT 2. C/S 30 of the Criminal Law (Codification & Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 “causing disaffection among police force or defence forces

Allegation(s) – On (date) 28TH MAY 2008 at (place) CORNER JULIUS NYERERE AND NKWAME NKHRUMA AVENUE, HARARE the accused (state what the accused did) – SEE ANNEXTURE-

Evidence (state facts linking accused to the commission of crime/offence, e.g. accused was found in possession of stolen , radio, etc)
1. THE ACCUSED PERSON ON BEING ARRESTED WAS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF THE REMINDER OF THE WOZA MOYA NEWSLETTER/FLYERS IN HER CUSTODY.
2. ACCUSED HAD BANNERS/PLACARDS AND IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS WHO CAN TESTIFY THAT THE FLYERS (WOZA MOYA) BELONG TO THE ACCUSED PERSON.

3. VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER AAQ 7338, A NISSAN PATROL WHICH ACCUSED WERE USINGWAS RECOVERED.
4. ACCUSED FOUND IN POSSESSION OF BANNERS, PLACARDS AND FLYERS
Value of property stolen/potential prejudice (Frauds, etc.) $………N/A…..Value of property recovered $…N/A

Bail – not opposed/opposed/on Police bail: Yes/No (If yes $ OPPOSED
Reasons for apposing bail are:
1. Accused has known record/previous conviction (state) YET TO BE CHECKED

2. Accused has pending cases at court (quote Station, C.R/CRB No.) BYO CENTRAL CR 1018/6/07 CRs 1018/06/04 AND CRB 310-2/07

3. Accused is likely to abscond (give reasons e.g. has no family, no house, etc) ACCUSED HAS VEHICLES, MEANS OF MOVING FROM ONE POINT TO ANOTHER WHILST EVADING POLICE AND ALSO TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO LEAVE OR FLEE THE COUNTRY.

4. Accused is likely to interfere with evidence/witnesses (give reasons why you say so) WHEN THE ACCUSED WAS ARRESTED, SOME OF THER MEMBERS OF WOZA MANAGED TO ESCAPE WHILST IN POSSESSION OF THE COPIES OF THE WOZA MOY NEWSLETTER, EFFORTS TO LOCATE AND RECOVER THESE ARE UNDERWAY IF RELEASED, SHE IS LIKELY TO INTERFERE WITH PROCESS.

5. Accused is likely to commit other offences (give reasons): ACCUSED IS VERY ACTIVE LEADER OF THE WOZA, WITH THE APPROACHING PERIOD OF THE RUN OFF (ELECTIONS) SHE IS LIKELY TO KEEP ON DISTRIBUTING THE STATEMENTS AND THUS COMMIT THE SAME OFFENCES AS WELL AS OTHERS.

6. Any other reason(s): THE ACCUSED PERSON IS VERY INFLUENCIAL, SHE HAS GOT MANY SYMPATHISERS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY WHO HAVE GO SOME SAFE HOUSES. IF ACCUSED IS RELEASED, SHE IS LIKELY TO GO INTO HIDING AND IN THE SAME PROCESS EVADE POLICE.

Section D
Date investigation should be completed 16 June 2008 possible number of witnesses (8)
Date: 29/05/2008 Signature:…………………..(Rank) D/A/I………….(No.) 043465t
Checked: Officer/Member-In-Charge

Section E
Officer/Member-In-Charge
Z.R Police
…………………………………………………..

C.I.D. Law & Order Harare D.R. 08/05/2008 C.R.B. /08
Harare Central C.R. 1695/05/2008

ANNEXTURE OF ALLEGATIONS
Count One
C/S 31 (a) (i) of the CRIMINAL Law (Codification & Reform) Act 9:23 PUBLISHING OR COMMUNICATING FALSE STATEMENTS PREJUDICIAL TO THE STATE.
On the 28th May 2008 at the Corner of Kwame Nkhrumah Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way about 1200hrs, the accused person who is a leader of the Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) was arrested by police whilst carrying out a procession in which she was in possession of some flyers which she has been distributing in the street. In one of the WOZA Newsletter the message being communicated was “What is there to celebrate when Zimbabweans no longer have faith that their right to vote is respected? And we will ask them to face the fact that Mugabe as the leader of a so called ( liberation war party) has failed to deliver judicial justice. By refusing to release results timeously and unleashing violence on voters Mugabe has betrayed the one man vote ideal our heroes died for” statement s which are false and prejudicial to the State.

Count Two
C/S 30 of the Criminal Law (Codification & Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 “CAUSING DISAFFECTION AMONG POLICE FORCE or DEFENCE FORCES.
On being arrested as per count one above, the flyer which accused was in possession and distributing, the WOZA newsletter also on a paragraph numbered 5 was communicating the following statement/information “that the uniformed forces realise that there is no peace in the absence of justice. We ask them to respect that Zimbabweans have voted for change and refrain from being used to perpetrate violence and to carry out injustices. When change comes, and it will come, WOZA will demand in audit of the civil servants, including the uniformed forces. We, your neighbours in our communities, know you for the things that you do, both good and bad. We will remember. Hear us loud and clear – your leaders may get generous retirement packages but you will be left to face the justice of the law and the anger of the people. When you see us in the streets, we come in peace with love in our hearts and you have the choice to respond likewise and allow us to do our work as mothers of the nation. Good actions will also be remembered and rewarded.” This statement is likely to cause disaffection among the Police force or the Defence Force as it is likely to induce the members to withhold their services or to commit breaches of discipline whilst trying to confirm with accused’s statement.

WOZA Bulawayo members will march to hand over an open letter to Minister of Primary Education Minister Dokora. The open letter covers the view of members, adults and children who object to the manner, spirit and implementation of the national pledge.
Open leter to Minister Dokora 6may2016

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I, the undersigned, hereby declare my endorsement for the People’s Charter launched by Zimbabweans and delivered to Parliament on 12 December 2006. We join Zimbabweans in calling upon all leaders in Zimbabwe to end their selfish bickering and focus their energy on delivering what the people want. The people have spoken and we will help amplify their voices as they face daily hardship, poverty and tyranny. Actions speak louder than words!

International Women’s Day Theme – “Be Bold for Change”
The Zimbabwean State translated this to Theme –
“The woman we want is bankable, business minded, brainy, beautiful bold, blessed and balanced”

March 8 of every year signifies an important milestone in the gender race as we commemorate the International Women’s Day. On this occasion, members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) are joining women in the world over and Zimbabwe, to commemorate this day. However WOZA commemorates this day with a heavy heart as women continue to lose their lives whist giving life, childbirth should be a time for celebration not mourning. Women toil daily, scavenging to put food on the table trying to turn the dream of a decent meal into a reality for their children.

The day showcases social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women in its advocacy to create awareness of the contribution of women to the development of society as positive agents of change. This year’s theme, ‘Be bold for change’, could not have come at a better time, especially when change is the talk of the day in the country but no one is walking that talk. There is a lot of active change that is required in order to bridge the gender discrepancies that exist in our country and restore democracy.

The international theme challenges each individual to be leaders within their spheres of influence by engaging in practical non-violent actions to narrow the gender gap and help women and girls realize their full potential. The Theme as selected by the Zimbabwe government is little more than window dressing in a country with a crashing economy and patriarchy becoming more entrenched daily.

Zimbabwean women have more progressive laws, policies and constitutional rights compared to the Rhodesian women. These Rhodesian woman white or black could put three decent meals on the table and go about her informal trading without much harassment. When pregnant Rhodesian women only had to register to arrive to deliver her child carrying only baby clothes. In the Independent Zimbabwe of today, women with all their so-called racial equality, progressive laws can hardly put one meal on the table. She cannot afford the pricey maternity fees which only covers a bed. She is required to bring bandages, gloves, scissors, water drips, needles, clipper to tie the umbilical code, methylated spirit and cotton wool. If unlucky to need an operation she has to bring a complete kit including the scissors used to cut your abdomen. The pregnancy nightmare could continue with your detention under guard in hospital if you cannot pay the bill. Even then if you don’t pay in full, birth records of your child are withheld.

With this comparison of Rhodesia and Zimbabwe WOZA note that Independence Day 2017 looms. Zimbabwe will turn 37 but there will be no joyfulness on that day as women don’t feel independent despite the protracted liberation war. It is women who face the brunt of injustices perpetrated by the state in the socio, economic and political arena making them slaves to a political elite calling the shots. WOZA calls on institutions, organisations, state leaders and citizens to take an honest look at themselves. As they self-introspect WOZA pray they realise that this suffering is alien to democratic systems, structures, beliefs and gender parity – it is imposed by dictatorship and patriarchy.

Zimbabweans accept that the time has come to actively change our state of affairs. The onus is on the whole population of us women by and large to challenge the status quo for change to be effected. Cognizance has to be taken to the fact that it is our right as humans and as women to be heard and hold those around us accountable as we play our citizenship role. Instead WOZA suggest the theme for International Women’s Day should be WOMAN – TAKE CHARGE

SHE must TAKE CHARGE to ensure gender perspectives be integrated into policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and all other spheres of life.
SHE must TAKE CHARGE to demand Zimbabwe fulfil obligations to ensure all citizens enjoy all human rights which include socio economic, cultural and political rights.
SHE must TAKE CHARGE of food production to bring food security through all sustainable farming projects and agro businesses.
SHE must TAKE CHARGE of balancing her life though business and social volunteerism and participation in community upliftment.
SHE must TAKE CHARGE and demand government support the right to earn a living and trade in all business spaces be there street or board room.
SHE must TAKE CHARGE and demand government harmonises the constitutions so that all laws supporting the full realisation of women rights are fully implemented.
SHE must TAKE CHARGE and bring into being a free, quality and equitable education for our girl children that will enable them to live quality lives.
SHE must TAKE CHARGE of political spaces and campaigning so that genuine candidates are selected in all party primary elections processes. Candidates who must have the message of gender equality, equity and social justice drummed into their heads so they can’t sleep at night thinking of how they can deliver their election promises.
SHE must TAKE CHARGE of rebuilding their lives after the recent floods have rendered them homeless. As we stand in solidarity with the many including our members in Tsholotsho we note the deafening silence of the government making no effort to deal with the situation and restore their dignity.

To the Women of Zimbabwe, we say ‘arise’ and swim against the tide and support the SHE that is TAKING CHARGE and also take a turn to TAKE CHARGE yourself. Rise up and take your positions in the socio-economic realm of this country. Innovation and transformation is key in changing the dire situation we find ourselves in as the women of Zimbabwe, thus now is the time to TAKE CHARGE and non-violently challenge individuals and institutions to become more engendered.

As WOZA we will play our role in supporting, empowering and amplifying the voices of women as they TAKE CHARGE to deliver accountable governance to the nation.

Earlier this month, WOZA launched a report on political violence against its members in Johannesburg, South Africa. As a consequence of exercising their constitutional rights through nonviolent civil disobedience, WOZA women have often been the target of unprovoked assaults, and other violations by state agents seeking to silence their voices. About six months ago WOZA decided it would be worthwhile to attempt a systematic documentation of the political violence suffered by WOZA women.

Method
A partner organisation was identified to do the technical process but the questionnaire was developed with input from members who were then trained them to do the actual interviews. The results were then analysed by the technical partner.

The aim was to record the nature and extent of political violence against WOZA members; who the perpetrators were and the types of violations and injuries faced. It is a fact that many WOZA women have participated in the activities of different organisations before WOZA was formed in 2003. Hence the research did not begin with 2003 violations but predated the formation of WOZA to 2000. A section on violations pre, and post, independence was also included, in this way the women’s experiences as a whole were tracked.

The preliminary report
Data from 2,200 questionnaires completed is still being analysed. The preliminary report takes a sample of 397 interviews from members in Bulawayo and Harare and analyses only some of the sections. It gives some of the background describing the socio-economic status of WOZA members. It reports on the number of arrests they have experienced, the number and type of violations, and the perpetrators of the violations as well as injuries they have suffered.

WOZA has conducted over 100 protests on various issues of civil rights and social justice in its five-year existence and up to 3,000 women have spent time in police custody. Many have been detained more than once, most for 48 hours or more and 112 members once spent five days in police cells. These women, front-line human rights defenders, are willing to suffer beatings and unbearable conditions in custody to exercise their constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms. They continue to suffer torture and other forms of cruel, humiliating and degrading treatment.

For example:
* A high proportion (73 per cent – 291 women) has been arrested at least once. In total, the 397 women reported 615 arrests. On average each woman was arrested 1.5 times. The maximum number of arrests for those in the sample was eight but other members have recorded over 25 arrests.

* A high percentage have been assaulted in various ways – many seriously enough to seek medical attention and some have been hospitalised for various periods.

*Even higher percentages have been treated in cruel and inhuman and degrading ways by police officers who arrest them. There have been many cases of insults and death threats and several incidents of abduction.

* The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) were the most common perpetrators mentioned, with all branches of the ZRP mentioned by 52% [205 cases] of the sample.

These types of violations have become commonplace in Zimbabwe as the government seeks to prevent Zimbabweans from protesting against the continuing devastating mismanagement of the economy, extensive and malicious corruption and disregard for the welfare of the people. They have been reported on as well by other organisations including Amnesty International and the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum.

The reason WOZA hastened to release this preliminary report is that Zimbabwe’s future now hangs in the balance in the hands of the SADC-mandated mediation efforts. The road to a better future lies through a legitimate election. This can only occur if the process and the political climate in which it takes place are fully free and fair. An essential component of the climate is the absence of violence.

Already regional leaders have stated that they expect that the elections due in March next year will measure up to the SADC standards and be “free and fair”.

WOZA’s message is simple. This type of repression, the sustained, deliberate and malicious state violence perpetrated to silence free expression continues. People are not just hungry – they are afraid to get up and say they are hungry. No legitimate election can be held in this environment.

WOZA is thus challenging friends in the region – whether they are governments, NGOs or social movements – to help document violations and call for an end to violence. For as long as state-sponsored violence continues, no legitimate election can be held. We urge you not to allow the validation of an illegitimate election. Hear us loud and clear – we demand meaningful peace and respect for the civil rights of all. We demand it and we deserve it.

To read the full report, click here. Preliminary report on political violence against WOZA members

The 98 members arrested during a protest at Parliament in Harare yesterday have been released without charged after being held for seven hours.

At noon yesterday, a deputation drawn from the membership began a protest to press for an end to violence and for a response from the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Members also wanted to express their commitment to a repealing of Public Order Security Act (POSA) and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

As the procession was to arrive at Parliament, the Riot Squad based at Africa Unity Square intercepted and began to beat the peaceful activists. They did not directly order the activists to disperse but beat anyone trying to sit down. The procession then turned around the way they had come and the determined activists began to chant the slogan – “strike a woman and you strike a rock” and sing, “the road is full of thorns and the time has come to pray.” It seems this was too much for the police officers who had kept up their insults and beating with baton sticks (although they used minimum force). When the procession crossed Sam Nujoma Street, the order to sit down was issued by police and WOZA members complied.

While the group sat down, members who had not been arrested handed themselves in. A member of MOZA did this in style. With his placard saying ‘VOTE no to POSA’ held high and singing away, he did a solo march across the street into the arrested group.

After 30 minutes, a vehicle came and 17 members were taken to Harare Central Police station. An hour and a half passed with no progress before the Riot Squad guarding the arrested ordered three lines and walked the 81 members to Central creating quite a spectacle and much amusement from bystanders. It seems there was no fuel for the vehicles.

After uniformed polices officers and Law and Order officers took down everyone’s details, it became apparent no department wanted responsibility for processing WOZA. Eventually Law and Order officers with the Chief Superintendent Madzingo, the overall boss of Law and Order, in attendance asked for all the issues WOZA are unhappy about and after a 30 minute spelling out issues from police harassment, to skyrocketing school fees, to electricity blackouts and complaints about POSA, the Chief Superintendent said he was tired and asked WOZA lawyer Muchadehama to assist WOZA to notify for future protests.

All 98 members were released at 7:30 pm having been arrested just after noon. This is the third protest in a row that WOZA have been arrested but released without being detained. On 15 October, Chief Inspector Tenderere, Officer Commanding at Harare Central lectured the activists and released them after nine hours in custody. These protests have seen WOZA directly confront police about their brutality.

Meanwhile, a WOZA member, Maria Moyo, has died. She had been arrested approximately eight times and was one of the seven members abducted from their homes by Law and Order officers in Bulawayo on 24th August. She was taken from her sick bed at 4:30 am and threatened with being tied up with ropes and thrown into Khami Dam if she did not divulge the whereabouts of WOZA leaders. She was badly shaken by this experience and took a turn for the worse. Despite receiving medical treatment, she never recovered. WOZA leaders pass on their condolences to the family of Maria and to all her comrades. We ask for intensification in amplifying the voice of ordinary Zimbabweans demanding social justice so that Maria’s life is not sacrificed in vain.