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WOZA and MOZA continue demand for bread and roses in Mutare today
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
February 16, 2010

Following on from peaceful protests in Bulawayo and Harare in recent days, 300 members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise marched through central Mutare today. As in the other demonstrations, the peaceful protestors handed out Valentine cards, red roses and abbreviated copies of WOZA's report on the state of democracy in Zimbabwe. No arrests have been reported at the time of this release.

The peaceful group marched several blocks to Meikles Park where they sang and handed out Valentine cards and roses to passers-by who seemed to be stunned to see WOZA in full voice in Mutare. Songs sung by the peaceful protestors included: "our road is thorny, we need to kneel and pray" and "we call to you, our Jesus."

As the march took place in central Mutare, a public meeting on the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) was taking place in Sakubva. It is assumed therefore that the police did not respond to the protest as they were otherwise occupied. The march continues WOZA's campaign to persuade Zimbabweans to engage in civic processes and actively join in democratising Zimbabwe.

News update
February 17, 2010

Two women, Sibongile Matupe and Rose Rukwewo, an elderly woman, have been arrested in Mutare today following the peaceful protest in that city yesterday. The two women are currently at Mutare Central Police Station and look set to spend the night in custody. It is unclear why they were targeted for arrest or what charge, if any, will be laid against them. Lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) are in attendance but have not been given access to the women. Law and Order officers are insisting that they finish 'interviewing' them before they will allow the lawyer access to his clients. Police went door-to-door in Sakubva, a suburb of Mutare, searching for people who took part in yesterday's peaceful protest action. The two women were taken from their homes. The arrest of these two women is a blatant violation of civil rights, as is the fact that they are being denied access to their lawyer. Please call Mutare Central to protest the arrest of these women and to demand their immediate release on (+263 20) 31543 or 64212 or 63813 or 63814.

News update
February 19, 2010 (11am)

Sibongile Matupe and Rose Rukwewo, the two women arrested in Mutare on Wednesday, have finally been unconditionally released. Their lawyer, Mr Nyamaropa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, had managed to get the two women released into his custody last night on the proviso that they would appear in court this morning charged with criminal nuisance. Investigating Officer Renzo had initially insisted on keeping the women in for the full 48 hours despite acknowledging that he had no evidence that they had done anything illegal. Upon arrival at court this morning, the prosecutor refused to accept the charges as police had no evidence. The women were therefore unconditionally released.

Both women are okay after their ordeal. Rose, an elderly woman who suffers from hypertension, had been unwell. She received medical attention this morning and will be all right.

WOZA would like to commend officials in Mutare Magistrate's Court for their observance of the law and for refusing to participate in the malicious harassment of two innocent women. We would also like to thank all friends and supporters who tried to call Mutare Police Station or emailed their support. Rose and Sibongile have been informed of the solidarity they received from all over the world and are humbled by the support

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