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Opposition party official arrested for talking to independent media
Media Institute of Southern Africa - Zimbabwe Chapter (MISA-Zimbabwe)
January 28, 2003

Kenneth Gwabalanda Mathe, an official of Zimbabwe's main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) appeared at the Victoria Falls magistrate's court on 24 January, charged under section 12 (a) of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) for having given a comment to The Daily News.

Mathe made a statement in the Daily News of 7 January, that the beating of civilians by the police in the town was reminiscent of the 1980's massacres of civilians by the army in the Matebeleland region. Section 12 of POSA prohibits the making "…of any statements or actions likely to cause, or attempts to cause, or does any act calculated to cause, disaffection amongst the members of the Police Force or Defence Forces…"

Mathe was granted $2000 (US$37) bail. If found guilty he faces a fine of not less that $20 000 (US$370) or imprisonment for not less than two years or both fine and imprisonment.

Mathe's comment in the Daily News followed reports that the police and army details were beating civilians after the murder of an Australian tourist in the resort town. The Daily News reported that Mathe was also caught up in the violence and he made the comment from personal experiences.

The murder had a negative effect on the hosting of some cricket world cup matches by Zimbabwe, amidst concerns that the country is not safe.

For more information:
Rashweat Mukundu Research and Information Officer MISA-Zimbabwe
E mail: misa@mweb.co.zw

Visit the MISA-Zimbabwe fact sheet

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