Back to Index

Statement on continued state brutality on defenceless citizens
Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ)
March 28, 2007

Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ) registers its great concern over the continued systematic and organized harassment and brutalization of non-state actors after yesterday (27/03/07) memorial service for the national hero, Gift Tandare. SCMZ has learnt that a senior opposition activist Last Mayengahama was abducted in Borrowdale soon after the memorial service and was left for dead in Mutorashanga about 100 km out of Harare. In the same night SCMZ also learnt that more opposition leaders were raided at their homes and their whereabouts are still not clear. These include the Member of Parliament for Glenview constituency, Hon Paul Madzore, Ian Makone and wife Teresa Makone.

In addition more than 20 people, including the MDC president, Morgan Tsvangirai were raided and arrested at the MDC Headquarters at Harvest house today. The raid was effected by hundreds of ruthless riot police armed with AK 47 rifles, tear gas canisters and sjamboks. Those arrested and several other peace loving Zimbabweans doing their normal business in areas close to the Harvest House were subjected to police beatings and harassment. In fact all shops and offices from the intersection of Julias Nyerere and Nelson Mandela up to the intersection of Nelson Mandela and Sam Nujoma (formerly Second Street) were forced to close down for all business the whole day.

SCMZ continues to condemn this state madness. The ZANU PF government is clearly displaying its degrees in violence. This is the time for the whole world to see and judge for itself the true characteristic of a government which has on many times tried to convince the world that it is not only legitimate but democratic. The government has abdicated its duties by declaring war on its own people creating an atmosphere of general insecurity among the populace. It is our sacred duty as civic society and opposition forces to continue fighting for the opening up of democratic space and justice in Zimbabwe.

Psalms 72: 4 "May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor!"

Visit the SCMZ 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