Update – 9pm
20 WOZA members remain in police custody in Masvingo tonight – their third night – in direct contravention of the 48-hours maximum period allowed under the Public Order and Security Act (POSA). Police gave the excuse that their equipment was not functioning properly so they could not take the statements of all 20 in time. Lawyers also blamed a go-slow at the courts for the inability to bring an urgent High Court application before a judge to demand their immediate release. The group was arrested at noon on Tuesday whilst launching the People’s Charter. The group is expected to appear in court early tomorrow morning (Friday).

The 17 women and three men are split between Masvingo Central and Chikato Police Stations. Please call these stations and demand to know why they are insisting on holding WOZA members illegally.
Masvingo Central – +263 (0) 39 62221.
Chikato – +263 (0) 39 62308