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Freedom for civic leaders and democracy in Zimbabwe
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
March 14, 2007

THE brutal attack on the leadership of the opposition, civic leaders and individual residents gathered for a prayer meeting organised by the Save Zimbabwe Campaign on Sunday 11 March 2007 at the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield by State security agents on must inspire Zimbabweans to take the struggle a giant step forward. Save Zimbabwe is a grouping of individuals and concerned citizens from all walks of life trying to find a lasting solution to the crisis of governance in Zimbabwe.

The Combined Harare Residents' Association (CHRA) is shocked by the callous murder of Gift Tandare, the Chairperson of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) in Glen View and the vicious attack of opposition and civil society leaders by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

The arrest of the opposition and civic leaders, including the Chairperson of CHRA Michael Jeffrey Davies by the police is an uncalled for attack on the citizenry of Zimbabwe, who are merely demanding their stolen democratic space, in this case, through a prayer meeting for divine intervention..

Israel Mabhoo, the CHRA Vice-Chairperson said: "The arrests cannot stop the struggle. This marks the beginning of a sustained Third Chimurenga struggle to liberate Zimbabwe from the bondage of Zanu PF after the end of colonial rule in 1980".

"Zanu PF and even President Mugabe know that this was how the Second Chimurenga started in Zimbabwe," he said. "The grievances are almost similar. The masses are driven by poverty, unemployment, high cost of living, dictatorship and a justified desire to end lawlessness."

The resilience and bravery of the people demonstrated their resolute position on tyranny, abuse of power and corruption in government. The message is clear and unequivocal.

Not again shall members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other state security apparatus be allowed to attack helpless citizens in the name of restoring law and order. The ruling party utterances that the current wave of resistance is inspired by cash incentives are a fallacy and inane political gimmick.

The ruling ZANU PF and President Mugabe must be reminded that the liberation struggle was funded by known local businessman and other countries such as Russia and China and is the same way the current struggle and its demands will be funded. Such utterances are a mockery of the genuine history of liberation and will neither tarnish the image of, nor deter bonafide Zimbabweans in the fight for the restoration of democracy and good governance in Zimbabwe.

• The immediate release of the opposition and civic leaders, including Mike J. Davies, CHRA Chairperson.
• Access to medical care to the detainees
• The holding of elections in Harare in line with the High Court ruling by Justice Kamocha on 2 March 2007.

Failures to heed our demands, residents have resolved to consider various options that are at their disposal.

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