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ZCTU
Activists arrested
Zimbabwe
Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
April 28, 2005
The Zimbabwe
Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) deplores the action by the
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) who disrupted a ZCTU meeting
and arrested six members of the Eastern Region.
The ZRP stormed
into a ZCTU May Day preparatory meeting on 27 April 2005 at Hellenic
Club in Mutare and called off the meeting before arresting five
Regional Council members and one member of the ZCTU General Council.
The Police were
alleging that the meeting contravenes the provisions of the Public
Order and Security Act (POSA) which gives Police the powers to sanction
public meetings. Trade Unions are exempted from seeking
clearance from Police.
The ZCTU leaders
were arrested at around 5:30 pm and later released at 8:00pm
but were later invited back to the Police station this morning.
They are still at the Police station awaiting further interrogation
about the meeting. Their names are Eliah Mwandipe Regional Chairperson,
Tambaoga Nyazika Regional Officer, Hilarious Ruyi General Council
member, Steven Chandakapata, Medicine Muringisi and Superior Boka
who are all activists.
Meanwhile another
six ZCTU activists including Nathan Banda, the ZCTU Health and Safety
Coordinator were also arrested this morning (Thursday 28) for taking
part in an international Health and Safety day march that was organised
by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) to commemorate
International Health and Safety Day.
As social partners,
the ZCTU was invited to take part in the procession but police are
questioning the involvement of the labour body in the procession.
At this moment in time the ZCTU activists are still under arrest
while the NSSA officials are negotiating with the police. The police also
proceeded to stop the procession because of the ZCTU's participation.
The six are
Elijah Mutemeri, Vmbai Mushongera, Nathan Banda, Nyikadzino Madzonga,
and two activists from Bindura Nickel Mine who are Health and Safety
shop stewards.
The ZCTU strongly
deplores this action by the police and views it as a violation of
human and Trade Union rights especially the infringement of the
freedom of association and assembly.
Mlamleli Sibanda
Information
Oficer
Visit the ZCTU
fact sheet
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