Men of Zimbabwe Arise (MOZA)

Over 200 members of WOZA, MOZA and student leaders arrested while participating in a peaceful protest to mark WOZA’s fifth Valentine’s procession were finally released on 15 February 2007.

Members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (MOZA) were participating in a demonstration that took place a day before Valentine’s Day on 14 February 2007, when the WOZA women traditionally hold the Valentine's Day procession. It is reported that there was approximately 274 men and women and 20 babies arrested and detained in police custody. The protesters were being held in 7 different police stations: Bulawayo Central, Mziliazi, Donnington, Hillside, Nkulumane, Queens Park and Sauerstown. On the same day, state security and the law and order section at the Harare Police Central Police station arrested and detained 15 student leaders at the Harare Polytechnic including, Promise Mkwanazi, President of the Zimbabwe National Students Union. The student leaders were holding a peaceful protest about the deteriorating situation of higher education in Zimbabwe.