Front Line is extremely concerned following reports of the arrest and detention of Issac Teveteve, Gweru Branch Secretary of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Reason Ngwenya, Ambrose Sibindi, Michael Kandukutu, Tenson Muchefa, Justice Mucheni, Elliot Muposhi, Willmore Makure and Tafara Tawengahama, members of the ZCTU, along with Magodonga Mahlangu, member of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), between 13 and 18 September 2007.
Further Information
Posted 22/10/2007 On 18 September 2007, Issac Teveteve was arrested by police officers in Gweru. According to reports, he remains in custody and has been denied access to his lawyer. On the same day Reason Ngwenya, Ambrose Sibindi and Magodonga Mahlangu were also arrested and detained at Bulawayo Central Police Station. Reason Ngwenya and Ambrose Sibindi were released without charge the following day. Magodonga Mahlangu remains in detention and has been ordered to appear before Court on 27 September 2007. As yet no official charges have been brought against her.
On 17 September 2007, at approximately 2:00pm, Michael Kandukutu, Tenson Muchefa and Justice Mucheni were arrested in the Workington area of Harare whilst distributing fliers relating to a 'Stay Away' campaign. Reports claim that they were assaulted by arresting officers before being taken to Mbare police station for interrogation. They were transferred to Harare Central Police Station later that afternoon. The 'Stay Away' campaign encourages civilians to stay away from work for a two-day period as a peaceful form of protest against Government policies. The campaign is reportedly supported by civil society organisations in the country.
Furthermore, on 13 and 14 September 2007, Elliot Muposhi, Willmore Makure and Tafara Tawengahama were arrested on two separate occasions and taken to Masvingo police station for questioning. They were reportedly interrogated by officers from the CID Law and Order section and members of the Central Intelligence Organisation concerning the 'Stay Away' campaign. After approximately three hours they were released with a warning not to proceed with the campaign. The next 'Stay Away' protest is scheduled to take place on 19 and 20 September 2007.
Front Line is concerned that the afore-mentioned events are directly related to the work of ZCTU and WOZA in defence of human rights and that it may form part of an ongoing campaign against human rights defenders in Zimbabwe.