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WOZA/MOZA demonstrators viciously beaten and arrested on International Human Rights Defenders' Day
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
November 29, 2006

Read Update on WOZA/MOZA arrests
View Images of injuries sustained during beatings by the Police

Members of WOZA & MOZA marching in the streets of Bulawayo before they were arrested by the Police. © WOZA

At least sixty-three Women Of Zimbabwe Arise and four Men Of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA/ MOZA) members, as well as six babies were arrested this morning, during a peaceful launch of the People's Charter. They were taken to Bulawayo Central Police Station; although it is possible that one vehicle was diverted elsewhere as some members known to be arrested have not arrived at Central. WOZA leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu are amongst those arrested. Lawyers have been briefed and are in attendance.

Levels of police brutality were especially high with many people being beaten and requiring medical attention, including a young baby. Police took six members to Mpilo Hospital for medical attention, including one woman who was seriously injured and may have a broken leg. After not receiving medical attention at the over-extended government medical facility, she has been transferred to a private hospital for treatment.

Hundreds of WOZA and MOZA members marched peacefully through central Bulawayo today to the government offices at Mhlanhlandlela. There was an almost carnival atmosphere to the procession with the singing marchers handing out leaflets and copies of the People's Charter, which were eagerly accepted by passersby.

Riot police round up members of WOZA & MOZA during a peaceful launch of the People's Charter in Bulawayo. © WOZA

They began to read out the People's Charter before approximately 30 riot police arrived and began to arrest them. In typical WOZA fashion, members sat down peacefully and waited to be arrested. This did not satisfy the bloodlust of the Zimbabwe Republic Police and they began to viciously assault the peaceful group members with batons sticks, forcefully dispersing most of the group of over 200 that were waiting to be arrested.

There are fears that police might also have arrested a lot of other passers-by as the police were seen pulling a man from his car and arresting him. Among the arrested is a pastor from the Presbyterian Church. When members who had been dispersed tried to hand themselves in to Central Station in solidarity, they were denied entrance and chased away.

The People's Charter is a result of a yearlong countrywide consultation. This day was selected as a fitting day to launch the Charter and demand social justice for all Zimbabweans. The protest was also conducted in defiance of the Public Order Security Act (POSA) but in accordance with constitutional freedoms of assembly and expression. Bulawayo, the WOZA stronghold, was seen as an appropriate start to a series of protests that will roll out around Zimbabwe.  

If you wish to contact the Bulawayo Police force to ask them why they think it is necessary to beat innocent women, you can reach them on +263 09 72515, 263 09 61706, 263 09 63061, 263 09 69860 (Central Police Station).

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