Following on from peaceful protests in Bulawayo and Harare in recent days, 300 members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise marched through central Mutare today. As in the other demonstrations, the peaceful protestors handed 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.

The peaceful group marched several blocks to Meikles Park where they sang and handed out Valentine cards and roses to passers-by who seemed to be stunned to see WOZA in full voice in Mutare. Songs sung by the peaceful protestors included: “our road is thorny, we need to kneel and pray” and “we call to you, our Jesus.”

As the march took place in central Mutare, a public meeting on the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) was taking place in Sakubva. It is assumed therefore that the police did not respond to the protestas they were otherwise occupied. The march continues WOZA’s campaign to persuade Zimbabweans to engage in civic processes and actively join in democratising Zimbabwe.

To read a full copy of WOZA’s report on democracy, click here: Hearts starve as well as bodies – a WOZA perspective on the state of democracy in Zimbabwe