Back to Index

GAPWUZ staff under threat
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
March 01, 2010

The General Agricultural and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ) Secretariat are under threat from members of the Central Intelligence and Police force following raids at their offices on the 24th of February 2010 and their summoning before the Joint Operation Command (LOC) on the 19th of February 2010. The intimidations come three months after three unidentified men raided the home of GAPWAUZ Secretary General and Crisis Coalition Vice-Chairperson, Mrs. Gertrude Hambira demanding to know her whereabouts. Mrs. Hambira and Mr. Tapiwa are currently in hiding.

The threats and intimidations were prompted by the release of a damning documentary by the trade union showing gross human rights abuses which visited farming communities during the chaotic land reform programme which began in 2000. The report captures the lack of transparency during the process and the suffering of farm workers as a result of the chaotic and violent land reform program. During the raid on the offices, members of the police force seized copies of the report. Staff members were interrogated and threatened with assault and informed not to consult any lawyers until the CID have finished their investigations.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition deplores the continued intimidation of the GAPWUZ staff and calls upon the inclusive government to respect citizens' fundamental civil and political freedoms particularly the freedom of expression. The documentary released by the trade union is a true reflection of the reality, which befell farmers and farm workers since the commencement of land invasions in 2000. Instead of intimidating trade unionists, the inclusive government should bring to book the perpetrators of human rights violations during the invasions and ensure that the respect of property rights are protected and respected.

Visit the Crisis in Zimbabwe fact sheet

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP