All three WOZA members arrested yesterday, including Magodonga Mahlangu, were finally released at 1pm today. They have been charged under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act – section 140 – malicious damage to property and section 143 (b) – ‘ the crime of malicious damage to property or negligently causing serious damage to property is committed against property that is owned, possessed or controlled by the State, a statutory corporation or a local authority.’ These charges are as a result of recent calls to choose love over hate that have appeared on roads in the western suburbs of Bulawayo. There is no evidence whatsoever to link any of the three arrested with the road markings however.

The two other members arrested, Rosemary Siziba and Sitshiyiwe Ngwenya, were picked up from their homes late last night and taken to Donnington Police Station, where they were held until lunch today. Rosemary Siziba was with her one and a half year old daughter. Mahlangu spent the night at Figtree Police Station, some 40km outside of Bulawayo.

None of the members were physically harmed but Law and Order officers Ngwenya, Mathonsi and Mutyayambidzi threatened Mahlangu with death whilst still in Bulawayo Central Police Station; telling her that she would meet the same fate as her dog, Snowy, which was battered to death by police officers during a raid on Mahlangu’s home in recent weeks.

In the last week, police have raided and searched the homes of two other members looking for paint, although they did not find any in either home.

Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it. Rabindranath Tagore

 Still standing strong for our children
– a Mother’s Day message from WOZA

As Mothers Day draws near, we, the mothers of the nation, have examined our existence and that of our children and decided that enough is enough. We are deeply concerned about the current political impasse. The collapse of the schooling and health systems need to be urgently addressed by a new government but these issues are being ignored due to the election impasse. We cannot keep on waiting however; our lives are at stake. We voted in peace on 29 March but we are being punished for choosing to vote for a change.

Behind the fist
The ‘fist’ is the trademark of Robert Mugabe. We have seen how this fist works. People in Matabeleland and Midlands, supporters of ZAPU, were killed during Gukurahundi in the early 1980’s. Residents of Porta Farm also paid a high price for Mugabe’s hatred of Ndabaningi Sithole. In 2000, Mugabe launched violent land invasions to punish Zimbabweans who refused his constitutional amendments, and we are still paying the price of hunger today. In 2005, Operation Murambatsvina was designed to quell rising dissent and support for the Movement for Democratic Change after the 31 March 2005 election. When he saw the true results of the March 29 election he launched Operation MaVhoterapapi (where have you voted).

Mhosva haitongwi nekurwa – to use violence is to admit defeat

Recognising WOZA’s role as human rights defenders, we therefore call on Robert Mugabe to immediately hand over power to the winner of the presidential election, Morgan Tsvangirai. Mugabe as the leader of a so-called ‘liberation war party’ has failed to deliver social justice. The heroes who lie buried at Heroes Acres and in unmarked graves in surrounding countries died for this ideal – one man one vote.

We do not want a presidential election run-off because this will result in more violence as we campaign for the candidate of our choice. There can be no free and fair environment in any district of the country at present with violence as it is.

In preparation for the run off, it seems Zanu PF have made moves to ‘starve’ any supporters of the pro-democracy activists. WOZA members report being unable to buy mealie meal if they do not produce a Zanu PF card. Many supermarkets now form two queues one for Zanu PF members which is serviced and another queue whose occupants go home empty handed.

We ask the real war veterans to help us stop the violence and speak out against those perpetrating the violence in their name. We know ‘war veterans’ met villagers in Mukuwa, Matabeleland South and told them – “we are declaring war”. Is this why they ordered weapons from China? To kill ordinary Zimbabweans who simply want a better life and the full realisation of the liberation war promises?

Induku kayakhi muzi – fighting does not build a home; war does not build a nation

We call on the uniformed forces to realise that there is no peace in the absence of justice. 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 an audit of all 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.

As mothers we advise that during this period, Zimbabweans must remain calm but committed to making their vote count. This is a time for courage and also a time for humility. It is in this spirit that we call on the Chief Election Officer, Lovemore Sekeramayi, to use his powers under the 5th Schedule of the Electoral Act, to declare the candidate with the ‘greatest number of votes’ the winner forthwith. He knows who won fair and square and should declare Morgan Tsvangirai the winner. Our lives depend on his courage and sense of decency.

We also call on SADC, the African Union and United Nations to show their solidarity for the people and respect that Zimbabweans have already chosen a new president and that their vote should count. The current government are trying to subvert the laws of the land and allowing Mugabe to stay in power when he lost the election.

Change will come. The people’s voices will be heard and respected.
We just need to keep standing strong.

****************************

WOZA would like to thank the South African Transport and Allied Worker’s Union (SATAWU) for their solidarity in refusing to offload the weapons that the government has bought to kill us with from the Chinese ship of death. The continued support from the International Transport Workers Federation and the promised solidarity from the Angolan transport union are also appreciated. Amandla ngawethu!

***************************

We would like to salute the courage of those Zimbabweans who refuse to be cowed by violent bullies and who continue to stand up for what is right. Special mention should be made of Tabitha Marume who was shot in the stomach by CIO agent, Daniel Romeo Mutsunguma, who is based at the Zimbabwe Embassy in Washington DC.

A true shero, Tabitha had been part of a group of seven MDC activists who had walked to a torture camp to demand the release of their colleagues who had been abducted by soldiers.

Her courage in the face of hatred and violence inspired over 10,000 villagers in Makoni West to attend her funeral, despite threats made against them.

Sister Tabitha, may your soul rest in eternal peace.

WOZA would also like to salute all the others that have lost their lives for believing that a better tomorrow is possible.
Your names will be remembered. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.

20 June is the United Nations World Refugee Day
Theme: Real People, Real Needs -Vanhu Chaivho, Nezvido Chaizvo
Singabantu Abaqotho, Silezidingo Eziqotho

And WE ARE THE REAL PEOPLE SPEAKING OUT ABOUT OUR NEEDS.
It seems to us that Zimbabweans are not treated as real people with real needs, WE are treated like refugees our own country. WHY DO WE THINK THIS?

1. Refugees are people who are displaced  – MANY Zimbabweans are displaced without a roof over their head. Our homes were demolished and no one has attended to this injustice. On top of that rents and rates are now skyrocketing and people will be chased from their homes. STOP RAISING RENTS AND FIND A WAY TO LET US HAVE A ROOF OVER OUR HEADS
2. A refugee is someone who is uncertain of their personal security – the rule of law is not respected and police officers are a law unto themselves! See15 September 2008 GPA. 18. Security of persons and prevention of violence 18.2 Gravely concerned by the displacement of scores of people after the election of March 29, 2008 as a result of politically motivated violence. 18.5 The Parties hereby agree: (g) to work together to ensure the security of all persons and property; (h) to work together to ensure the safety of any displaced persons, their safe return home and their enjoyment of the full protection of the law. CONDUCT TRAINING SO POLICE OFFICERS RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS AND UNDERSTAND THEIR ROLE IS TO SERVE THE NATION.
3. Refugees survive on handouts – they have no means to stabilize their lives and earn a living There is 95 % unemployment so people try to earn a living by informal or cross border trading. People do this to try to survive hardship but instead they suffer arrest, are forced to pay a bribe, their goods are looted with no way to get justice. See 15 September 2008 Global Political Agreement. 3. Economic recovery 3.1 The Parties agree: (a) to give priority to the restoration of economic stability and growth in Zimbabwe. The Government will lead the process of developing and implementing an economic recovery strategy and plan. To that end, the parties are committed to working together on a full and comprehensive economic programme to resuscitate Zimbabwe’s economy, which will urgently address the issues of production, food security, poverty and unemployment and the challenges of high inflation, interest rates and the exchange rate.
   STABILISE THE ECONOMY TO CREATE JOBS BUT UNTIL THEN ALLOW US TO TRADE WITHOUT HARRASMENT BY POLICE AND ZIMRA.
4. Refugee children do not go to school – Zimbabwean children cannot get their right to a decent education and spend their day playing in the roads. Teachers are refugees in other countries because they were harassed by militia and chased away by low salaries. OUR CHILDREN MUST GET THEIR RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION – AND TEACHERS TO EARN A LIVING WAGE.
5. Refugees cannot easily get health care and live in conditions that breed disease – There are very few professional staff and little medication in hospitals, the service is expensive. Doctors and Nurses do not earn a living wage. PRIORITISE HEALTHCARE FOR ALL URGENTLY.
6. WE ALSO DEMAND THE RIGHT TO ENJOY OUR FULL CITIZENSHIP WITH OUR OWN CONSTITUTION See 15 September 2008 GPA. 6. Constitution Acknowledging that it is the fundamental right and duty of the Zimbabwean people to make a constitution by themselves and for themselves; Determined to create conditions for our people to write a constitution for themselves; and Mindful of the need to ensure that the new Constitution deepens our democratic values and principles and the protection of the equality of all citizens, particularly the enhancement of full citizenship and equality of women.

Our needs are real and need to be urgently attended to and political leaders must respect us enough to deliver and also to deliver the promises made in the Global Political Agreement.

 Our leaders said they were
CONSIDERING our shared determination …a nation where all citizens respect and, therefore, enjoy equal protection of the law and have equal opportunity to compete and prosper in all spheres of life.
COMMITTING ourselves to putting our people first by arresting the fall in living standards and reversing the decline of our economy.
DETERMINED to build a society free of violence, fear, intimidation, hatred, patronage, corruption and founded on justice, fairness, openness, transparency, dignity and equality.
DETERMINED to act in a manner that demonstrates respect for the democratic values of justice, fairness, openness, tolerance, equality, respect of all persons and human rights. 

BUT WE HAVE NOT SEEN THE RESULTS THAT SHOW ANY COMMITMENT AND DETERMINATION? WHERE IS IT?

IN OTHER WORDS ….

Vanhu Chaivho Nezvido Chaizvo

1. Tiri kurarama sevapoteri munyika medu. Pekugara chaipo pari kunetsa.
2. Mitero iri kudhura dzimba takatengeserwa, kunge ivhu rekutengeserwa kunge nyika isiri yedu. Mari yokubhadhara pokugara yodhura kupfuura mari yatinotambira.
3. Muzvitoro zvose zvirimo asi chokutengesa hatina, mabasa hapana.
4. Vana havachaenda kuchikoro mari yacho idambudziko kuiwana.
5. Muzvipatara mishonga hamuna ukaiwana mishonga mari yokutenga hatina.
6. Vanoshanda ngava piwe mihoro ino kwanisa kuraramisa mhuri dzavo.
7. Mari dzokubhadhara pakufamba hadzinzwisisike, mibhadharo yacho inongo siyaniswa asi rwendo rwuri rumwe chete. Kunyanya nzvimbo dzekure
8. Tarisiro yedu ndeye kuti makambani ose avhurwe mabasa awanikwe.Vashandi vasapiwa mazuva mamwe ekusevenza mamwe ekusasevenza.
9. Tariro yedu ndeye vakashungurudzwa, vakapondwa, vakapisirwa misha hapana chatati tanzwa kana kuona. Honzeri dzemhirizhonga hadzisati dzaburitswa  pachena.
10. Tinonzwa muchikakavadzana nenyaya yezvigaro isu voruzhinji tiri kutambura. Redu ratakananga  gwara haticha rizivi.
11. Bumbiro remutemo tanga takaritarisira asi hatichanzwisisa kuti zviri kufambiswa sei. Richanyorwa here sekuvimbisa kwavanga vakaita kuti tiende kusarudzo ine runyararo uye iri pachena, kudzivirira kodzero dzedu?

SAYING IT IN ANOTHER WAY …

Singabantu abaqotho sifuna izinto eziqotho, silemicabango ekhaliphileyo njalo ebanzi.

1. Ngobuqotho bethu sifuna ukuphathwa ngendlela eqotho njalo sitshelwe izinto ngoba yithi amaZimbabwe aqotho. Sikhangele siyabona konke  okwenzakalayo, sesidiniwe ngezithembiso zamanga ngakho sifuna inkokheli eziqotho.
2. Lathi libumba uhulumende wenu womanyano lathi lifuna ukuhlenga amaZimbabwe pho kungaphi ukusihlenga kwenu udubo lokhu luqhubekela phambili?
3. Selihluthunele  abantwabethu ilungelo lokumfundo. Asisenelisi ukubabhadalela ezikolo ngenxa yembadalo ephezulu.
4. Abantu sebefela ezindlini bebelethele khona ngoba siswela imali yokubhadala izibhedlela ngoba zibiza inhlawulo engeneliswa nguzulu wonke.
5. Ezitolo  izinto azazani kodwa sizidla ngamehlo.
6. Isizwe sesilahlekelwe yibuntu baso ngenxa yokuswelakala kwemisebenzi, sesiphila sanyamazana ubudlova sobandile kuleli, kuthi laba abasebenzayo abaholi lutho.
7. Amapholisa konke lokhu akutshaya indiva ngoba bafuna ababafumbathisayo.
8. Sesiphila ebunyameni ngenxa yokuswela amandla kagetsi kodwa ekupheleni kwenyanga kufuneka amakhulu lamakhulu amalandi.
9. Izulu lana kodwa amanzi awakho ezimpompini zethu lokhu kwenzakala nje akulangcazelo esiyitholayo evela kumenisipalithi.
10. Lokhu uhulumende womanyano wasungulwayo asikaze sizwe inkulumo ephathelane lozulu kodwa esikuzwayo yikuthi babanga izihlalo lokuthi uzibani uyengaphi, uyecela imali yabo lokuthi kwenzakalani ngamapulazi abo. Abezombangazwe lingasitsheli ukuthi sokulenguquko, nxa inguquko isikhona  izabonakala kumpilo zikazulu.

Qhubeka – Take the Step – Yendera Mberi!

Sisterhood Bond

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WOMEN OF ZIMBABWE ARISE – WOZA
P. O. Box FM 701, Famona, Bulawayo
By Women for Women and with Women, across Race, Colour, Creed, Class or Political Persuasion. Empowering Women to be Courageous, Caring, Committed and in Communication with their Communities.

WOZA SISTERS
SISTERHOOD BOND

My name is …………………………………………………………………………………………

I give my word that I will strive to stand up in support of my sisters. I will give ‘her’ my hand in support as we struggle together towards our rightful place as equals in society. Working together, hand in hand, we shall bring Zimbabwe back to peace, justice and prosperity.

As the struggle continues, I will remember the following guidelines:

1. To speak out and encourage other women to do the same, so that the female voice is heard. Women should no longer suffer silently.
2. To participate in peaceful assembly and meetings to discuss our challenges and to act rather than complain.
3. To be a comfortable shoulder to lean on or a listening ear. ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’.
4. To demonstrate love and courage in our homes and communities so that people can shake away fear.
5. Women are the mothers of the nation and must demand that Dignity.
6. To be a supporter of Non-violence so that people can see that problems can be solved peacefully.
7. To seek out and be in solidarity with like-minded women.
8. To be God fearing and encourage activities that promote spiritual health.
9. To support Democratic participation with tolerance for differing views and opinions.
10. “An injury to one is an injury to all”.

I give my word!

Signed: ………………………………………………………… Date: …………………………………

Witnessed by: ……………………………………… Witnessed by: ………………………………

Copyright © 2004

Hundreds of members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA/MOZA) took part in a peaceful demonstration in Sakubva in Mutare today. The community-based demonstration targeted the local TM supermarket demanding affordable food on the shelves and an end to shortages. The protest comes a week after members demonstrated in 11 areas of Bulawayo with the same demands.

As in Bulawayo, the protestors delivered an open letter to business owners and the ministers of Industry and Commerce and Home Affairs to demand meaningful economic reforms, rather than the unthinking slashing of prices. There have been no reports of arrests so far although police have been seen in the area.

About 300 started the demo but numbers swelled as people came out of their homes to join in – both children and adults. The atmosphere was electric as vehicles stopped and people enjoyed seeing WOZA/MOZA in action – liberating the streets through peaceful resistance.

One woman came running saying, “it’s bread and roses! I had heard it from others but now it’s actually here!”

The demonstration began with the song ‘akuna upfu’ (there is no maize meal), but soon changed to ‘more fire -upfu iripi? chingwa chiripi? Tofa nenzara!’ (more fire – where is the maize meal? Where is the bread? We are hungry). As one police officer walked by, the protesters started singing, ‘mupurisa urikuona zvirikuitika?’ (mr policeman, can you see what is happening here?) He did – but chose to walk the other way.

This is the third WOZA/MOZA protest in the eastern border town.

Afterward the ‘Woza Moya’ newsletter was seen all around the TM supermarket and some people were even parading around with the placards that they had picked up.

Police responded both on cycle and by vehicle but only arrested newsletters and placards before returning to the station.

A copy of the open letter delivered by the demonstrators can be found below.

Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) today submitted a letter to the Executive Mayor of Bulawayo Councillor Martin Moyo, calling on him to stand with the people of Bulawayo trying to eke out a living by informal trade. The majority of WOZA members are involved in informal trading.

WOZA members urged him to be courageous and defend the Constitutional right to earn a living.

WOZA made recommendations as to what issues the Executive Mayor should address as part of a collect Council and Civic Society initiative and ignore the ultimatum from the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing for vendors to vacate the pavements and streets by 26 June 2015.

The open letter reads, “Executive Mayor we will stand by you if you stand by us. Let’s us find sustainable livelihood’s in a dignified manner befitting Zimbabweans. Don’t be a part of another ‘moment of madness’. We will not be moved from our streets until there is a comprehensive plan in place.”

See the open letter here
Open Letter 24 June 2015

STATEMENT 1

BULAWAYO CENTRAL C.R 1018/06/04
RIMAU KAMWAZA N.R 63-915017 T 63
AGE : 31YRS.

States:-
1. I reside at house number 1,6th Avenue Rose Camp and I am currently attached to Police
Reaction Group , which is based at Drill Hall , Bulawayo .I am stationed at Njube police station.
2. I know the accuseds persons , numbering eleven only in connection with this case.
3. On Saturday 19th June 2004 at around 1320 hours I was on patrol duty in uniform in town in the company of Sergeants Charinya and Ngandu . At that we came across a group of the accused persons toy-toying and singing at the corner of 8th Avenue and fife street .The accused were moving towards the northen direction and the group was so disorderly that some were on the pavement and others were on the road.
4. We saw that the actions of the accused persons was disturbing the smooth flow of both traffic and pedestrians and also causing much confusion to the general public. People were being disturbed of their normal activities as they gave way to the accused persons.
5. We stopped our vehicle and ordered the accused persons to stop and we then arrested them . I could not hear what the accuseds were saying in their singing since the vehicle was moving.
6. After having arrested the accuseds we took them to Donnington Police station .

Signed ….RIMAU KAMWAZA
Recorded on 21 / 06/04
TIME : 0930 Hrs
At :C.I.D LAW AND ORDER BYO
BY :D.A.INSP SAMAKANDE

STATEMENT 2

BULAWAYO CENTRAL C.R 1018 /06/04
CHARINYA CHARINYA N.R 12-047041 J 12
RES : No.2 Provost Building Rose Camp Byo
BUS :Z.R.P Hillside

1. I am a male aldult aged 32years residing at the mentioned address. I am employed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and stationed at Hillside police station . Presently I am attached to Police Reaction Group based at Drill Hall.
2. I know the accused persons only in connection with this case.
3. On the 19th June 2004 I was on duty and in Uniform in the company of Sergeants Rimau And Ngandu. At around 1320 hours we saw the accused persons singing and toy-toying at the corner of 8th Avenue and Fife street . I did not get what they were singing .The group was so disorderly as some were blocking the pavement preventing other people from walking and others were on the side of the road disturbing the smooth movement of traffic .They were moving in the northen direction.
4. We saw that the actions of the accused persons was disturbing the smooth flow of both traffic and pedestrians and also causing confusion to the general public. People were being disturbed of their normal activities as they gave way to the accused persons.
5. We then stopped them and arrested them . I did not hear what they were saying in their singing .We then took them to Donnington Police Station.

Signed: CHARINYA .CHARINYA
Recorded on 21/06/04
Time 0956 Hours
At : C.I.D Law &Order Byo
By : D.A.Insp Samakande

CHARGES:

BULAWAYO CENTRAL 1018/06/04 4196-4206/04

BULAWAYO
TREDGOLD

SEE ATTACHED SCHEDULE

C/S 3(2)(g) of this misc : offence act chapt 09:15:
ENCUMBERS OR OBSTRUCTS THE FREE PASSAGE ALONG ANY STREET ,ROAD ,THOROUGHFARE ,SIDEWALK OR PAVEMENT.

In that on the 19th June 2004 and at the corner of Fife Street and 3th Avenue the accuseds as listed on the schedule to the charge sheet ,one or more of them unlawfully marched in the street , singing and running in a mob along the pavements thereby obstructing the free passage along any street , road ,sidewalks or pavements……

ALT: C/S 7(c) OF THE MISC OFFENCES ACT CHAPT 09:15:
EMPLOY ANY MEANS LIKELY MATERIALLY TO INTERFERE WITH THE ORDINARY COMFORT ,CONVINIENT ,PEACE OR QUIET OF THE PUBLIC:

In that on the 19th June 2004 and at the corner of Fife street and 8th avenue Bulawayo the accuseds as listed on the (charge sheet) schedule to the charge sheet ,one or more of them unlawfully marched in the streets, singing and running in a mob likely materially to interfere with the ordinary comfort ,convenient ,peace or quiet of the public or which are likely adversely to affect the safety of the public or is likely to lead to a breach of the peace or create a nuisance or obstruction…………………….

AT noon today 700 members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise marched through central Harare to the offices of the state-owned Herald newspaper, handing out Valentine cards, red roses and abbreviated copies of WOZA’s report on the state of democracy in Zimbabwe. No arrests have been reported at the time of this release.

In typical WOZA fashion, six protests started separately and converged on the offices of the Herald. The peaceful groups sang as they marched, handing out roses and Valentine cards to excited Saturday shoppers who rushed forward to accept the gifts. At the Herald offices, the peaceful protestors chanted slogans for a few minutes before leaving a copy of the report, a Valentine rose and a WOZA scarf at the door before dispersing without incident.

The report, entitled ‘Hearts starve as well as bodies – give us bread but give us roses too! Democratising Zimbabwe – an opportunity to shine!‘ is a snapshot of community activists’ views on the state of democracy in Zimbabwe one year after the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU). It also urges Zimbabweans to participate in democratizing Zimbabwe.

The Valentine cards handed out by the marchers read: “It is not enough that bread has returned to our shelves. Our hearts are also starving for a people-driven constitution. We demand a living constitution that will give us bread and roses too! Just like the thorns on a rose, love comes with pain, we must be willing to fight through the pain to get our new constitution. Demand your Rose – stand up for love. Shine Zimbabwe Shine!”

Songs sung by the peaceful protestors included: “We want our constitution; we want our rose“, “love is needed in Zimbabwe urgently“, “it is difficult to live in a country where thorns are in our way, we need to kneel and pray” and “if your heart is troubled, trust in the Lord (John 14:1).”

The peaceful protest today was a test of civic and media freedoms under the GNU at a time when the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) is being publicly debated in Zimbabwe.

A full copy of the report can be found at the following link: Hearts starve as well as bodies: a WOZA perspective on the state of democracy in Zimbabwe

The 83 members arrested in Harare on 20th September again appeared in Harare Magistrate’s Court in a remand hearing this morning. The 76 women and seven men were arrested after a peaceful demonstration calling for community safety on International Peace Day and spent two nights in custody in Harare Central Police Station before being released on free bail. The activists were further remanded out of custody to 1st December 2010.

Their defence lawyer put the state on notice that she would be applying for a refusal of further remand at the next remand hearing. 

The group has been charged under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 46, as read with Section 2(v) of the Third Schedule to the Criminal Code – ‘criminal nuisance’.

AT ELEVEN am on 10th June 2011, seven or eight men who identified themselves as police officers arrived at the gate of a venue WOZA members use for their internal meetings. They did not produce any search warrant and were extremely aggressive. A lawyer for Human Rights was immediately asked to attend the scene to demand any search warrant and observe the processes police would undertake.

Two of the Police officers noticed at the gate were notorious perpetrators of torture George Levison Ngwenya and Moyo from Law and Order department of Bulawayo Central Police Station. WOZA members present resolved to exit through the backyard and moments after Riot police arrived and police forced the motorised gate open and gained entry.

Shortly after this a tenant who is not a member of WOZA arrived and was immediately beaten by police who demanded to know where the occupants were. The lawyers, Kossam Ncube and Nosimilo Chanayiwa from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights had arrived outside the gate but were threatened with extreme violence by police and ordered to leave.

Since Friday police officers have invaded the property and over the weekend armed guards were observed taking in the winter sun in the yard.

Later that afternoon, the lawyer, Mr Ncube, visited the offices of the Law and Order Department to seek clarification about the ‘invasion’; he was refused clarification and told to present Jennifer Williams and the owner of the house to explain what the house was being used for.

Two privately owned vehicles are also within the yard but in this climate of lawlessness, the owners would risk arrest if they went to get their cars.

Since the beginning of the year, 38 WOZA members have been arbitrarily arrested and 24 detained and charged under the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act. Threats were made that upon the eventual arrest of Williams and Mahlangu, they would be denied bail and imprisoned in the male prison.  This police harassment of WOZA Human rights Defenders provides leaders of the South African Development Community (SADC) with direct proof of the intransigence of the Mugabe regime and their refusal to respect the Global Political Agreement (GPA) of which they are guarantors.  This proves there is no political will to implement respect for freedoms of assembly and expression and end harassment of human rights defenders. The practice of persecution and punishment by arrest, detention and prosecution in the absence of any genuine suspicion of criminal activity needs urgent addressing through security sector reform.

Their targeting of WOZA in this way shows their inability to deliver a new Zimbabwe where people can live a dignified life, free to express their views. It is because of this that the nonviolent social justice movement remains fast expanding and has capacity to mobilise Zimbabweans to demand full enjoyment of all their rights.

It  is our view that that the raiding of our members’ private meeting place means the regime has made the last leap from its ‘pretended democracy’ and respect for the rule of law into the dark abyss of authoritarianism and militarisation.”

WOZA call on SADC to immediately enforce implementation of the GPA and protect Zimbabweans from this violent state and bring perpetrators to book.
WOZA call on the Joint Operation Monitoring Implementation Committee (JOMIC) to investigate this illegal raid and force the police to leave our premises forthwith.
WOZA call on Police Commissioner Chihuri to order his officers to cease occupation of our premises with immediate effect and return intact any possessions taken. And to publicly apologise to WOZA.
WOZA call on all police officers to refuse to be used to carry out illegal acts in the name of political supremacy, we call on their family members to prevail upon them to think carefully about their future and personal sanity. There will be a time for their action to be judged if not on this earth then in heaven.
WOZA call on local, regional and international human rights defenders to directly lobby their presidents or prime ministers to put pressure through diplomatic means to stop persecution of human rights defenders and especially women human rights defenders. Special emphasis should be on their rights to peacefully hold their own government to account by direct or indirect street engagement.
WOZA call on Zimbabweans to mobilise themselves to nonviolently demand respect for people will before it is too late. Your mothers need your help.
WOZA as a direct action nonviolent movement, mother of the nation will take action, we will not be silenced.