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CIOs, police seize radios in Murehwa
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
October 28, 2010

Suspected members of the Central Intelligence and the Murehwa police allegedly seized radios from villagers in Chitowa District, Murehwa on the 26th of October 2010 at around midday. The radios were distributed by civil society organizations in a bid to increase access to information to marginalized groups.

According to community leader based in Mrehwa, Mr Mutize, the police and state agents initially refused to furnish villagers with reasons why the radios were seized. However, after taking up the matter with Chief Superintendent Matsikasimbe, who is responsible for the district, Mr. Mutize was informed that the police wanted to establish the types of radios, the reason for their distribution and whether or not they had been cleared by customs officials.

Superintendent Matsikasimbe added that feedback would be given to Mr Mutize as soon as investigations are conducted.

The seizure comes less than a month after police in Gweru raided the Democratic Councils Forum where they confiscated 800 radios earmarked for communities in rural Midlands.

The Coalition strongly condemns attempts by the state and its agents to deprive Zimbabweans of their freedom to access to information and calls upon the inclusive government to respect and uphold fundamental freedoms.

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