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ZANU-PF death threats for WOZA activists
Tererai Karimakwenda, SW Radio Africa
June 11, 2008

http://www.swradioafrica.com/News110608/WOZA110608.htm

There is deep concern for the welfare of the 14 WOZA activists who were arrested 2 weeks ago and are being detained at Chikurubi and Harare Remand Prisons. Lawyer Gift Mpisi, who is representing the WOZA detainees and Shepherd Ndhlovu of the Men of Zimbabwe Arise (MOZA) were part of a group of 6 WOZA activists who attempted to deliver food to those at Chikurubi but were blocked by ZANU-PF thugs in an official vehicle.

Ndhlovu said the incident happened at the prison entrance, where the thugs approached in a twin cab with a ZANU-PF insignia and began accusing the WOZA members of being MDC supporters. According to Ndhlovu the thugs said the detained WOZA activists would be dead the next time they see them.

Ndhlovu is concerned because 12 of the 14 in detention were granted bail on Wednesday but prison officials have not released them yet. Meanwhile coordinators Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu were denied bail Wednesday after the state claimed that they were likely to mobilize people to demonstrate on the streets and cause violence ahead of the runoff election.

The thugs ordered Ndhlovu and the others to follow them in their own car, to Mabvuku Police station. Then they said they were taking them to the ZANU-PF offices in Harare - a known torture centre where opposition officials and supporters have been severely assaulted.

Lawyer Gift Mpisi said they had no intention of going to the ZANU-PF offices, but pretended to comply. The ZANU-PF vehicle ran red lights at some point and this caused a commotion with other drivers and members of the public, allowing the WOZA members to escape. They immediately went to Harare Central police station to report the incident.

There is concern for the WOZA activists because the government this weekend announced new tougher measures meant to keep activists in detention for longer periods. Deputy Attorney General Johannes Tomana told the state-run Herald newspaper that bail would be denied to 'anyone suspected of committing or inciting unrest.'

The WOZA activists first appeared in court on May 30. They were granted bail but the state immediately appealed the decision and they were remanded in custody until June 20, when they will answer to the charges. The bail appeal hearing had already been postponed twice.

The activists are being charged with conducting activities likely to cause public disorder. Williams is facing the extra charge of causing disaffection among the police and with distributing false information.

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