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NCA condemns disruption of ZCTU Women's Day commemorations
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
March 08, 2011

The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) condemns in the strongest of terms the disruption of a ZCTU Organised International Women's Day Commemorations in Bulawayo. A statement from ZCTU information department revealed that 16 women who had gathered at the ZCTU offices were arrested and briefly detained at the Bulawayo Central Police Station but were later released without any charges.

Surprisingly the arrests were made despite a High Court Order allowing the ZCTU to march peacefully to commemorate this day. The ZCTU has been a critical ally of the NCA since 1997 and are also a key ally in the Take Charge Campaign.

The NCA notes with great concern the continued harassment of female activists by the Harare Administration and wish to strongly warn the police to stop this unacceptable barbaric behaviour. The demeanour by the police is deplorable and they continue to threaten the basis of their existence.

We believe that police should be there to protect all citizens in a non-partisan manner. Its disturbing how the police in Zimbabwe seem to lack basic understanding of fundamentals of their duty.

We call upon the police commissioner, Augustine Chihuri to understand the existence of freedom of association and movement. It is also imperative for the police to appreciate the need to be impartial in executing their duty.

For as long as the police force continue to infringe the rights of citizens through selective application of law and defying court orders it will continue to lose respect from the majority of Zimbabweans. As NCA we are aware that Zanu-pf supporters continue to enjoy police escort during their marches as well as at any of their gatherings.

As NCA, we will continue to campaign against any forms of abuse and violations targeting women. We also reiterate our commitment in the quest for a new democratic people driven constitution that respects the right and aspirations of the women of Zimbabwe.

We believe that a democratic constitution will clearly capture the public's expectation of the role of a professional police force.

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