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Student leader languish in police holding cells
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
August 08, 2007

National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Students Union President, Clever Bere was on Monday 7 August 2007 arrested by four plain clothed police in the City of Bulawayo. On Saturday 4 August 2007, Bulawayo Central police arrested three student leaders in connection with Clever Bere and Mehluli Dube's whereabouts. The arrested, Trust Nhubu, Admire Zaya and Melusi Ndebele were severely tortured and detained until yesterday after the capture and arrest of Clever Bere.

Interviews with the released student leaders confirmed that Bere's arrest is a serious threat to his life. Robert Mugabe regime is determined to kill for its continued stay in power. Kucaca Phulu a prominent lawyer in Bulawayo and a member of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights attended the case of Bere but was unfortunately denied access to his client. Phulu however managed to see Clever during visiting time. Clever could hardly stand on his own, his face was swollen and he was coughing blood. He has also been denied access to medical attention, despite the lawyer's request for such. Fellow students visited Clever today and could see the pain in his eyes as he waved back to the colleagues but unfortunately behind bars.

Countless efforts by the lawyer demanding the release of Clever have fallen on deaf ears. ZINASU views Clever's detention as a political tactic by the regime to intimidate student activists from championing the students agenda.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteous sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: Matthew 5v10

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