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News update on Bulawayo arrests
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
August 21, 2006

Latest information suggests that 180 members were arrested in Bulawayo this morning. 13 mothers with babies were released early this evening, along with 26 minors. All need to report back to Central Police station tomorrow morning (Tuesday). The lawyers were finally granted access late this afternoon and were able to ensure food could be brought in. Under the notorious Public Order Security Act (POSA) the brave members can be held for up to 48 hours before being charged. They are routinely finger printed and photographed before being brought to court for a remand hearing.

Initial discussions with the officers in charge of Law and Order indicate that police are seeking to charge the group under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which came into effect at the end of July. The possible section that applies is Section 37 - participating in a gathering with the intent to promote public violence or a breach of the peace. If found guilty, the group face a level five fine or up to five years imprisonment. This will be the first time any protestors would have been so charged.

The group has also been split up - with some members been taken to other police stations around Bulawayo, including Mzilikazi, Sauerstown and Queen Park. Many have remained at Central where conditions are terrible but morale is still high.

Many members handed themselves in solidarity but Praise, a WOZA poet and vocalist, was denied entry into the cells, as she was told that she would make too much noise! Despite the absence of the lead singer, those arrested sang lustily - Gono we want real money - hoping that their voices would carry the block separating them from the Reserve Bank.

Over 30 men from the newly launched Men of Zimbabwe Arise (MOZA) are also in custody and competing with WOZA in ensuring their message is heard loud and clear. In fact, riot police had to be brought into the cells to quieten down the detainees.

The police vehicles were also severely overloaded. Whilst transporting those under arrest to Central, the tailgate of one vehicle flew open and a woman fell out. Lawyers are still trying to locate this woman who has since disappeared.

Meanwhile WOZA members in Harare also marched to the offices of Reserve Bank Governor, Gideon Gono, this afternoon to deliver the same message - Zimbabweans want real economic reform not piecemeal measures that are designed to impoverish us further. Despite being met by an armed soldier at the entrance of the Reserve Bank offices, the women managed to leave an open letter to Gono before dispersing. There have been no reports of arrests to date.

In a separate matter, members who appeared in court today in Bulawayo on charges under POSA had their case remanded to 3rd October, as the Public Prosecutor could not locate the docket, so no papers could be used to open a record. They are being charged under Section 24 (6) - organiser failed to notify police.

Visit the WOZA fact sheet

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