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Amnesty International South Africa urges calls for professionalism in the police force
Amnesty International South Africa
April 05, 2005

Our Ref: WOZA/ AI Index: AFR 46/005/2005/ UA 77/05

5 April 2005

Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Republic Police
Commissioner Augustine Chihuri
Police Headquarters
PO Box 8807
Causeway
Harare
Zimbabwe

Dear Commissioner Chihuri

RE: THE ARREST DETENTION AND ILL-TREATMENT OF 260 WOMEN OF ZIMBABWE ARISE (WOZA) ACTIVISTS BY THE ZIMBABWE REPUBLIC POLICE (ZRP)

Amnesty International South Africa (AISA) is gravely concerned about the security of human rights defenders and activists in Zimbabwe, in particular, the leadership and membership of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), a women rights pressure group and other like-minded non-governmental organisations. We have been monitoring developments in Zimbabwe and have noted a systematic and unending pattern of a premeditated onslaught against WOZA activists.

We hold the view that the behaviour of the Zimbabwe Republic Police is not in tandem with professional policing basic principles and ethics. This is in view of reports of serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms allegedly perpetrated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Amnesty International verified some of the reports through its missions to Zimbabwe and found them to be true. In the case under review the Zimbabwe Republic Police allegedly infringed on the women's right to association, assembly, expression and movement. This is a direct contravention of the constitution of Zimbabwe, regional, continental and international human rights standards to which Zimbabwe acceded or ratified.

The recent worrying onslaught took place when the police wrongfully and unlawfully arrested and detained approximately 260 women, some carrying babies, at a peaceful post-election 'prayer vigil' in the capital Harare on 31 March. The police also detained children on the day in question, which is another serious violation of the children's rights. Although all of the women and their children were released the following day, it is the fourth time WOZA activists and their children have been arrested in 2005 and there are growing uncertainties that more inexcusable arrests may follow in the future.

It is reported that several of the women were allegedly assaulted and subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment by the police from Harare Central Police Station. Some were forced to lie prostrate to the ground and were beaten on the buttocks. Others were beaten while trying to get out of police vehicles. Some of the women are reported to be injured and at least three of them sustained serious injuries. None were given access to medical treatment during the period of detention. The women were also detained overnight in overcrowded conditions and many were forced to spend the night in an open-air courtyard. The detainees were also denied access to legal representation until 1 April. In light of the gravity of the allegation in question, Amnesty International South Africa hereby registers its utter condemnation of the behaviour of the police.

We therefore call upon the Zimbabwe Republic Police to stop arresting human rights defenders and activists under the guise of enforcing the repressive Public Order and Security Act (POSA) which violates human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in national, regional, continental and international human rights instruments.

In light of human rights abuses reportedly perpetrated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Amnesty International South Africa is urging the government of Zimbabwe to commission an urgent independent investigation or enquiry into all allegations of torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment committed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

We look forward to your kind co-operation in this matter.

Yours Faithfully,

Rita Ozoemena (Ms)
Acting Executive Director
Amnesty International South Africa

Cc: The Officer Commanding, Harare Central Police Station
Cc: Minister of Home Affairs
Cc: The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe
Cc: Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, Zimbabwe High Commission - Pretoria

For more information contact:
Amnesty International South Africa
Zimbabwe Project
Kutlwanong Democracy Centre
357 Visagie Street, Pretoria
PO Box 29083, Sunnyside 0132
Tel: +27 (0) 12 320 8155
Fax: +27 (0) 12 320 8158
E-mail: zimbabwe@amnesty.org.za
Website: www.amnesty.org.za

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