International widows day 2016

International Widows Day 

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE

June 25, 2016

The international Widows Day comes at a time when millions of widows worldwide have nothing to celebrate about, except to reflect their plight pain that has been either ignored or not attended to. This has left them isolated and excluded in societal and community development issues.

It is my pleasure ladies and gentlemen at this very important day to share with you some of the some of the catastrophes bewildering widows internationally and locally.

As we share these thoughts it is my call today  that everyone here and elsewhere must  bear in mind that the widows that we are talking about here are our mothers, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin  or great-great grandmother, hence what is affecting them affects everyone one  way or the other.

Before I share with you some of the these issues it is important at this juncture to make it clear that what pains most is that although widows have tried to register their plight in several platforms and in such days as this one, their concerns have not been given befitting attention and up to this moment they still languish in dire poverty, nevertheless it will be unfair to keep quiet about these issues, but to keep on pressing until such a time when there is meaningful change in this regard.

Internationally, widows are facing challenges which range from internal displacements, poverty, abuse, and rape, deprivation of fundamental rights such as the right to property, food, shelter, peace and other basic needs, which has made them to feel like alien species in their countries. As we commemorate this day let us bear in mind and reflect on these issues  and lets also remember that the struggle for the realization of widows rights is an ongoing struggle that needs all of to seriously think about.

Bringing the issue closer home, Zimbabwean women are among the worst affected, discriminated, abused, poorer and in all these challenges, widows are the one at the day bearing the harsh conditions families are enduring.

At this point let me waste no time but hasten to bring to your attention some key areas widows are finding themselves in.

The countries s inheritance laws are unclear and unfair  when it come to inheritance process, most widows have been  left homeless , land-less because they couldn’t access properties left by their husbands as they have been left to the mercy of the cruelty of their husbands families, and  is regrettable ladies and gentleman that unfortunately the law does not protect them.

Although the law recognizes that when a husband dies, their spouses must inherit the left property, the same law does not empower widows to rightfully inherit the property. Because of this we see today widows failing to send children to school and living in the streets without shelter and other basic needs.

Land ownership in Zimbabwe is one area that government must address as a matter of urgency, traditionally , land belongs to men and when they pass away, women are unfairly removed from that land and it is given to the brothers of the deceased especially is the women refuses to be forcibly inherited by the husband`s brothers. At the end of the day, it is the families left who suffer.

The current laws of the country makes it difficult for women to own property, for example it is difficult for widows to occupy houses left by their husbands as there are exorbitant fees charged by for them to process the documents , these fees are beyond the reach of many widows and they end up giving up on the properties .

It goes without saying that in the current economic hardships , women particularly widows are the most affected , a lot of people in Zimbabwe are unemployed and it is disheartening that when widows try to venture into some form of income generation project such as vending , the hash hand of municipal police descends on them harshly, women  constitute the largest number of people in the informal sector in Zimbabwe yet they face abuse every day in the streets as they are not allowed to work to look after their families.

It is our call today as we celebrate this day to authorities that this must come to end.

Currently widows cannot access their pension and the meager pension of their late husband’s has been depleted by hyperinflation, because of this, many widows cannot access decent shelter, water, and food water and health facilities.

As I conclude, I call upon the government of Zimbabwe to consider prioritizing the plight of widows in Zimbabwe in its endeavor to address gender imbalances that exist in our communities.

As I conclude, it is a fact that women constitute the a large part of the country`s population and it must be remembered that there is no meaning full development that can be attained without the full recognition of women rights and most importantly the rights of widows.

Linda T Masarira

Founder and National Director

Do you want to make make money online ,no payments needed, no experience ,no qualification go to this link:

 http://MyPayDesk.com/?ref=27186

International Widows Day 

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE

June 25, 2016

The international Widows Day comes at a time when millions of widows worldwide have nothing to celebrate about, except to reflect their plight pain that has been either ignored or not attended to. This has left them isolated and excluded in societal and community development issues.

It is my pleasure ladies and gentlemen at this very important day to share with you some of the some of the catastrophes bewildering widows internationally and locally.

As we share these thoughts it is my call today  that everyone here and elsewhere must  bear in mind that the widows that we are talking about here are our mothers, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin  or great-great grandmother, hence what is affecting them affects everyone one  way or the other.

Before I share with you some of the these issues it is important at this juncture to make it clear that what pains most is that although widows have tried to register their plight in several platforms and in such days as this one, their concerns have not been given befitting attention and up to this moment they still languish in dire poverty, nevertheless it will be unfair to keep quiet about these issues, but to keep on pressing until such a time when there is meaningful change in this regard.

Internationally, widows are facing challenges which range from internal displacements, poverty, abuse, and rape, deprivation of fundamental rights such as the right to property, food, shelter, peace and other basic needs, which has made them to feel like alien species in their countries. As we commemorate this day let us bear in mind and reflect on these issues  and lets also remember that the struggle for the realization of widows rights is an ongoing struggle that needs all of to seriously think about.

Bringing the issue closer home, Zimbabwean women are among the worst affected, discriminated, abused, poorer and in all these challenges, widows are the one at the day bearing the harsh conditions families are enduring.

At this point let me waste no time but hasten to bring to your attention some key areas widows are finding themselves in.

The countries s inheritance laws are unclear and unfair  when it come to inheritance process, most widows have been  left homeless , land-less because they couldn’t access properties left by their husbands as they have been left to the mercy of the cruelty of their husbands families, and  is regrettable ladies and gentleman that unfortunately the law does not protect them.

Although the law recognizes that when a husband dies, their spouses must inherit the left property, the same law does not empower widows to rightfully inherit the property. Because of this we see today widows failing to send children to school and living in the streets without shelter and other basic needs.

Land ownership in Zimbabwe is one area that government must address as a matter of urgency, traditionally , land belongs to men and when they pass away, women are unfairly removed from that land and it is given to the brothers of the deceased especially is the women refuses to be forcibly inherited by the husband`s brothers. At the end of the day, it is the families left who suffer.

The current laws of the country makes it difficult for women to own property, for example it is difficult for widows to occupy houses left by their husbands as there are exorbitant fees charged by for them to process the documents , these fees are beyond the reach of many widows and they end up giving up on the properties .

It goes without saying that in the current economic hardships , women particularly widows are the most affected , a lot of people in Zimbabwe are unemployed and it is disheartening that when widows try to venture into some form of income generation project such as vending , the hash hand of municipal police descends on them harshly, women  constitute the largest number of people in the informal sector in Zimbabwe yet they face abuse every day in the streets as they are not allowed to work to look after their families.

It is our call today as we celebrate this day to authorities that this must come to end.

Currently widows cannot access their pension and the meager pension of their late husband’s has been depleted by hyperinflation, because of this, many widows cannot access decent shelter, water, and food water and health facilities.

As I conclude, I call upon the government of Zimbabwe to consider prioritizing the plight of widows in Zimbabwe in its endeavor to address gender imbalances that exist in our communities.

As I conclude, it is a fact that women constitute the a large part of the country`s population and it must be remembered that there is no meaning full development that can be attained without the full recognition of women rights and most importantly the rights of widows.

Linda T Masarira

Founder and National Director

Do you want to make make money online ,no payments needed, no experience ,no qualification go to this link:

 http://MyPayDesk.com/?ref=27186

International Widows Day 

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE

June 25, 2016

The international Widows Day comes at a time when millions of widows worldwide have nothing to celebrate about, except to reflect their plight pain that has been either ignored or not attended to. This has left them isolated and excluded in societal and community development issues.

It is my pleasure ladies and gentlemen at this very important day to share with you some of the some of the catastrophes bewildering widows internationally and locally.

As we share these thoughts it is my call today  that everyone here and elsewhere must  bear in mind that the widows that we are talking about here are our mothers, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin  or great-great grandmother, hence what is affecting them affects everyone one  way or the other.

Before I share with you some of the these issues it is important at this juncture to make it clear that what pains most is that although widows have tried to register their plight in several platforms and in such days as this one, their concerns have not been given befitting attention and up to this moment they still languish in dire poverty, nevertheless it will be unfair to keep quiet about these issues, but to keep on pressing until such a time when there is meaningful change in this regard.

Internationally, widows are facing challenges which range from internal displacements, poverty, abuse, and rape, deprivation of fundamental rights such as the right to property, food, shelter, peace and other basic needs, which has made them to feel like alien species in their countries. As we commemorate this day let us bear in mind and reflect on these issues  and lets also remember that the struggle for the realization of widows rights is an ongoing struggle that needs all of to seriously think about.

Bringing the issue closer home, Zimbabwean women are among the worst affected, discriminated, abused, poorer and in all these challenges, widows are the one at the day bearing the harsh conditions families are enduring.

At this point let me waste no time but hasten to bring to your attention some key areas widows are finding themselves in.

The countries s inheritance laws are unclear and unfair  when it come to inheritance process, most widows have been  left homeless , land-less because they couldn’t access properties left by their husbands as they have been left to the mercy of the cruelty of their husbands families, and  is regrettable ladies and gentleman that unfortunately the law does not protect them.

Although the law recognizes that when a husband dies, their spouses must inherit the left property, the same law does not empower widows to rightfully inherit the property. Because of this we see today widows failing to send children to school and living in the streets without shelter and other basic needs.

Land ownership in Zimbabwe is one area that government must address as a matter of urgency, traditionally , land belongs to men and when they pass away, women are unfairly removed from that land and it is given to the brothers of the deceased especially is the women refuses to be forcibly inherited by the husband`s brothers. At the end of the day, it is the families left who suffer.

The current laws of the country makes it difficult for women to own property, for example it is difficult for widows to occupy houses left by their husbands as there are exorbitant fees charged by for them to process the documents , these fees are beyond the reach of many widows and they end up giving up on the properties .

It goes without saying that in the current economic hardships , women particularly widows are the most affected , a lot of people in Zimbabwe are unemployed and it is disheartening that when widows try to venture into some form of income generation project such as vending , the hash hand of municipal police descends on them harshly, women  constitute the largest number of people in the informal sector in Zimbabwe yet they face abuse every day in the streets as they are not allowed to work to look after their families.

It is our call today as we celebrate this day to authorities that this must come to end.

Currently widows cannot access their pension and the meager pension of their late husband’s has been depleted by hyperinflation, because of this, many widows cannot access decent shelter, water, and food water and health facilities.

As I conclude, I call upon the government of Zimbabwe to consider prioritizing the plight of widows in Zimbabwe in its endeavor to address gender imbalances that exist in our communities.

As I conclude, it is a fact that women constitute the a large part of the country`s population and it must be remembered that there is no meaning full development that can be attained without the full recognition of women rights and most importantly the rights of widows.

Linda T Masarira

Founder and National Director

 http://MyPayDesk.com/?ref=27186

UPDATE ON THE URGENT CHAMBER APPLICATION 

We are delighted to inform you all that an urgent chamber application for an interdict seeking to bar the police from interfering with Occupy Movement of Zimbabwe activities has been made at high court. More details to follow.
Occupy Movement of Zimbabwe

OUR NARRATIVE SO FAR

[6/23, 10:04 AM] Linda: My first qtn is ; What is the idea behind occupying Africa Unity Square? What is it that you seek to achieve?

[6/23, 10:05 AM] Linda: The idea of occupying the square is inspired by other activists around the globe who have occupied squares in their relevant countries demanding issues relative to their crisis. The Africa Unity Square sole purpose is for protests and was not being used for that purpose because of Zimbabweans ignorance. In 1923 Rhodesian settlers occupied the square in protest of company of BSAC a south African company and their demands were obviously met. In the 40s rhodesians occupied in support of recruiting soldiers fighting the world war 2 ant the other occupation was in the early 50s  when the white farmers were protesting to have electricity on their farms which was being generated at kariba dam and was only supplied mines. In the light of such occupations before we decided to occupy Africa unity square to protest about the deteriorating socioeconomic climate in Zimbabwe

Our narrative this far

As the Occupy Movement of Zimbabwe comprising of young people, the women's movement, the student movement, the disabled people's movement, the left and other progressive citizens we have crystallized into a vanguard leading the struggle for livelihoods and against the ZANU PF regime driven austerity measures under the vague IMF staff monitored economic structural adjustment programme.

From 31 May 2016 we embarked on a vigil which was to last for 16 days in which time we aimed to pressure the Mugabe led government to resign over failure to put priority on citizen's economic welfare.

Among our demands are the repayment of the looted 15 billion in diamond revenue, fulfilment of the 2.2 million jobs promised in the run up to the 2013 election, an end to abductions and the safe return of Itai Dzamara, an urgent reversal of the austerity measures which are a direct attack on the livelihoods of the working people,urgent implementation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe among others.

On the midnight of 8 June 2016 and the mid morning of 9 June 2016 the state agents, in a choreographed dramatic manner we believe to be a counter -intelligence sting operation, descended ruthless on the movement, arresting 16 of the occupants and charging them with trumped up robbery and obstructing the course of justice charges. Dozens others were brutalised and assaulted in the process.

This was followed by a brief detention of 16 comrades at Chikurubi female section prison and Harare remand prison.

We would like to salute all comrades and democratic movements who offered solidarity during our stay and to them we say its Aluta Continua!

The brutality we experienced especially by the drag net arrest and subsequent detention of a teenager and a breastfeeding women (Mandowa Mazh) with a two month old infant showed us first hand the insensitivity and callous nature of the regime.

In spite of all this cold and brazen cruelty we remain more determined than ever to reclaim our future and shape the direction of our country out of the current doldrums.
Way forward

As we continue to be inspired by the Occupy Movement across the globe and the realization that the 99% of the people in our country are suffering and generally pauperized as a result of the corrupt, exclusionary and selfish policies of the 1% constituting the political and business elites of this country under the banner of ZANU PF.

These ruthless elites have all but devoured the fruits of independence and are now eating independence itself hence we have taken it upon ourselves to fight for a dignified life that guarantees us access to social services such as quality health care, education, water, our right to decent work and a living wage, our right to shelter and welfare for the marginalized such as orphans ,the unemployed, and the disabled.

In undertaking our struggle, the #5to6 sessions will continue to be our flagship campaign and we will be rolling it out in the coming weeks across the country.

The #5to6 programme is an action by young people and the oppressed members of our society both politically and economically, to reclaim their future by occupying the public spaces, be it parks, streets or squares in  their areas, and utilizing it for constructive dialogue on political and socio-economic issues. The Mugabe regime has in the last 36 years completely shut down the public space and emasculated the voice of young people.

Our demands remain very clear as follows:

Repayment of the stolen US$15 billion diamond revenue and the arrest and incarceration of the perpetrators.
The fulfillment of the 2.2 million jobs promised in 2013 by President Robert Mugabe.
An immediate end to privatisation of social services and an increased public expenditure on social services to ensure accessible quality education, health, water and welfare programmes for the vulnerable groups and an end to anti-worker policies and legislation .We say NO to Austerity!
Declare cancer care and treatment a national emergency.
An end to abductions, torture and enforced disappearance and all forms of State and political violence - BRING BACK ITAI DZAMARA!
Unlimited access to our hard earned money from banks and we totally reject the proposed Bond Notes which are anything but theft of our money.
Urgent realignment of all laws to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment 20.
The resignation of President Mugabe and his ZANU PF regime from power.
We however have no illusions about the heartless nature of this regime and how it will respond but it must be known to all that we are more than ever prepared to fight for our destiny and the future of our country. Indeed another Zimbabwe is possible. Our World is not for Sale!Aluta Continua

10 OCCUPY ACTIVIST APPEAR IN COURT
22 June 2016


10 of the Occupy movement activists appeared today at Harare Magistrate court for routine remand for their case in which they are being accused of obstructing the course of justice.The case was brought to court after the activists were rounded up on 9 June 2016 at Africa Unity Square where they were part of the # 16days of occupation campaign.

The drag net arrest was a follow up to the arrest of 5 other activists ( Patson Dzamara, Pride Mkono, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Makomborero Haruzivishe and Oliver Chikumba) who were charged with 2 counts of robbery and obstruction of justice as well.

Through their fire-brand human rights lawyer, Obey Shava of Mbizvo, Muchadehama and Makoni, the activists inquired on the status of the court order relating to their complaints against police.
The activists had raised a number of complaints including assault, illegal detention, denial for a breastfeeding mother to access her two month old infant as well as denial to medication.
Presiding magistrate Tendai Mahwe said there was no court order to the effect that the state should carry out investigations on the matter.

However Shava inquired if the court record did have the alleged complaints and the magistrate confirmed that indeed there were complaints raised on initial remand.

The magistrate then proceeded to order the state to carry out the investigations and file a report by the next remand date on 12 July 2016.

The activist who appeared before the court are Linda Masarira, Brian Kasunzuma, Rangariraiishe Nhende, Paidamoyo Muzulu, Mandowa Manezh, Webster Mahohoma, Shadreck Dhliwayo, Irvine Takavada, Pamela Mawire and William Chiu.

All the activists deny the charges as fabrications designed by the Central Intellingence Organisation operatives to thwart the protest.

Four of the activists are out on US$500.00 bail while the other six are out on US$200.00 bail.
Released by;
Occupy Movement of Zimbabwe Information Department

There is no functional 'government' in Zimbabwe, practically speaking. One day one Minister Dokora unlawfully scraps teachers' leave, the following day he bans Scripture Union, the next day he introduces the national pledge... while another Minister Bimha digs deep into the archives of the late Ian Smith's Rhodesian government's laws of 1974 (SI 64 of 2016) and bans importation of all basic goods causing mayhem at Beitbridge border post. 

The Reserve Bank Governor, Mangudya, comes up with the controversial idea of bond notes while the Finance Minister Chinamasa 

 has no clue where the salaries of the civil servants will come from hence government decides to create a new calendar and pay the civil servants on the "40th and 55th" of the month. A superfluous Vice President, one Mphoko, stays in a five star hotel for two years at a time when civil servants are struggling to put three square meals on the table. 

The President makes endless international flights which yield no returns to the country, instead draining the national fiscus. Ministers are caught up in shady deals and build castles and palaces but go on to destroy houses built by the hard working and suffering citizens, amidst a housing crisis. The people who are supposed to lead the government got lost long ago and do not have any idea of where the country is by now. 

The leadership is not in touch with reality. Meanwhile, a rabidly brutal and undisciplined uniformed force is brutalizing peaceful activists trying to rescue our common future. Drastic action is needed to shake them from their hallucinations and send a message that they can no longer abuse the people of this nation, and indeed there is a long list of consequences they will face. # strugglecontinues aluta a continua

#5to6 UPDATE
After experiencing police's brutality last night soon after rounding up our #5to6 session we wish to inform the public that we have begun a legal process seeking for a court interdict baring the police from interfering with our constitutional gatherings.

It is with that in mind that we are not meeting tonight. As soon as the legal process is finalised, we shall inform you on the way forward. Thank you all for the support.

Aluta Continua...

Perennial wisdom dictates that when one is in a deep hole it is wise to stop digging. That wisdom is always ignored by our rulers in the Zimbabwe government. Like the Japanese Second world war Kamikaze pilots they are hell-bent on destroying the country once for all. How else does one describe the obvious suicidal policies being implemented? Either this ship no longer has a Captain in charge or there is now a scorched earth policy in place. How do you ban the importation of almost all goods that are making life bearable for those who survive on vending and importing goods? And that is the majority of our people. The lessons of 2006- 2009 have not been fully learnt by this government. Empty shelves and mass starvation will awaken them from their deep slumber.

President Biti visits incarcerated activists Tuesday, 14 June 2016 President Tendai Biti today visited 11 human rights activists that are in remand prison at Harare Central Prison and Chikurubi Women’s Prison facing trumped up charges of robbing two women in central Harare. The 11 were part of 15 human rights defenders who were arrested last week in central Harare on false charges of robbing two women. They were part of hundreds youths who had camped at the Africa Unity Square for a 16-day vigil against Robert Mugabe’s dictatorship and misrule of the economy. Among those he visited today are; Linda Masarira, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Pride Mkono, Pamela Mawire and Makomborero Haruzivishe, Irene Takavada, Shadreck Dhliwayo and Brian Kansunzuma. However, the activists complained about the lack of food as the prison officials were denying visitors to bring them food from outside the prison complex citing health reasons. The food and other drinks sold in prison, President Biti was told was going for that a two litre plastic bottle of Coke, which is sold outside for $1, 20 is going for $4 while a one litre bottle of water, which is sold for $0.75 in supermarkets is going for $1, 50. These astronomical prices, the activists said, were forcing most of the inmates to go hungry most of the times as prison food was inadequate and poorly prepared. The activists, however, told President Biti that despite the unlawful arrests and unfavourable living conditions, they were determined to see that the evil Zanu PF was brought to an end. President Biti urged the activists to remain focused and strong despite the attempts by Zanu PF to use state machinery to clamp down on opposition forces. He said he was working hard in ensuring that they were released from remand prison as a matter of urgency. President Biti was accompanied by the PDP secretary for international relations, Hon. Willias Madzimure. Another Zimbabwe is Possible!!!

PRESS STATEMENTS FROM CIVIC SOCIETY

HUMAN RIGHTS UPDATE | ZIMRIGHTS

June 10, 2016.

The right thing is the human rights thing!

   Find Us:  

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ISSUE | Court sets US$ 1000 bail each for Africa Unity Square activists

Some of the occupants, including some of the arrest and detained

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Harare – The Harare Magistrates’ Court in a jaw-dropping development has set the bail for five human rights activists currently detained by the government a US $ 1000 bail each for charges emanating from their #16DayOccupation of Africa Unity Square.

Patson Dzamara – brother to abducted activist, Itai Dzamara – Makomborero Haruzivishe, the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) Secretary General, former student leader and activist Pride Mkono, pro-democracy activist, Oliver Chikumba, and Anti-Privatisation Forum activist, Tatenda Mombeyerara, appeared at the Magistrates Court today, June 10, 2016.

This follows the summary arrest of 15 activists, who have been spending their days and nights since May 31, 2016 at Africa Unity Square opposite Parliament in Harare protesting rampant human rights abuses and economic mismanagement by President Robert Mugabe’s 36 year-old government.

Meanwhile, female activists who were also arrested at the Square in central Harare, did not appear in court today with hopes that they will be brought to court tomorrow.

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OUR POSITION: ZimRights National Director, Okay Machisa, expressed regret and disappointment at the way the government has handled the peaceful protest.

“It is unfortunate that the government is willingly returning the country to a very bad and soiled human rights record,” said Machisa.

“It trivialises the slight progress that was now being made towards respecting fundamental and constitutional rights if the authorities wilfully lead in the violation of the human rights of peaceful protestors.

“The constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully demonstrate and assemble are set out in Sections 58 and 59 of the Constitution. It is solemnly regrettable that the government has certainly chosen to ignore this.

“As civil society, we think that is logical that when the government fails in its responsibility to protect its citizens and becomes the chief violator, the international community has scope to aid by giving collective insurance to the human rights and dignity of citizens of Zimbabwe. So we urge human rights organisations within and outside the country to also bring their voices and influence to bear on the Zimbabwean government.”

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On the night of June 8, 2016, just before midnight, a suspected police trap was set up to allegedly concoct theft and robbery charges against the male activists, reportedly using a script that could leave even renowned Hollywood movie directors envious of the said fabrication.

Meanwhile, the founder of the Occupy Africa Unity Square movement, Itai Dzamara remains unaccounted for 15 months on.

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Find Us:   

Contacts:

National Chairperson, Passmore Nyakureba 0772 339 159 email: pnyakureba@maungamaanda.co.zw

National Director, Okay Machisa: 0772 135 882 email: omachisa@zimrights.co.zw

P

RESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release;

June 09, 2016.

ISSUE| Government must top harassment of Africa Unity Square protesters!!

Harare – The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) reminds the Government of Zimbabwe to respect and safeguard the right of citizens to peacefully protest, after thugs recently beat activists in the past days, and police arrested some activists last night at Africa Unity Square.

The activists, who include women activists, student activists, activists for the rights of people living with disabilities, journalists and social justice activists have been spending the days and nights at the Square since May 31 to fulfil a #16DayOccupation symbolism against bad governance.

The cases of open harassment at the Square adjacent the Zimbabwe Parliament have happened severally since the occupation protest started. This is a clear violation of the protesters’ freedom to peacefully demonstrate and assemble as set out in Sections 58 and 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

A first hand assessment by ZimRights of the activist’s injuries this week showed that a freelance journalist, James Jemwa, had suffered a bloodshot right eye, and cut his lip.

Importantly and equally outrageously, today June 9, 2016 marks 15 months after the abduction of the founder of the Occupy Africa Unity Square leader, Itai Dzamara, by suspected state security agents at a barbershop in his neighbourhood, and he remains not heard from or seen with the police too lackadaisical with the investigations.

ZimRights notes with concern that the police by arresting some of the activists has once more acted unconstitutionally and intervened against the fundamental rights of the protesters in the Square, in the same way they beat up Itai until he passed out and broke his lawyer, Kennedy Masiye’s arm in incidences in October and November 2014.

The police must immediately release the arrested activists and stop interfering with their constitutional rights, but honour their duty to protect the activists from thugs that the police must arrest.

It is unfortunate that the growing trend in the country is that government through the security institutions is responding to citizens’ lawful dissent such as demonstrations, sit-ins, and petitions through harassment. This is amply shown by the two-year history of the Occupy Africa Unity Square group and the official treatment of its activists, including Itai Dzamara.

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For further inquiries contact:

National Chairperson, Passmore Nyakureba 0772 339 159 email: pnyakureba@maungamaanda.co.zw

National Director, Okay Machisa: 0772 135 882 email: omachisa@zimrights.co.zw

Crisis Info 

PARTISAN SECURITY SERVICES FUELLING RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CIZC) calls upon the country’s security services to uphold the Constitution and desist from violating people’s fundamental rights and freedoms through serving partisan political interests.

Revelations during a court hearing for five activists today June 10, 2016 are a genuine cause for concern.

The five activists, Pride Mkono, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Makomborero Haruzivishe, Oliver Chikumba and Partson Dzamara were arrested on trumped up charges of attempted robbery and resisting arrest on June 8, 2016.

They were arrested in Africa Unity Square where they were gathered as part of a 16 day campaign against misrule by the ruling Zanu (PF) party.

CIZC is concerned over the partisan conduct exhibited by the police force since the activists began their 16 day campaign on May 31, 2016.

It came out during today’s court hearing that before the arrest of the activists, there had been a foiled attempt to abduct them. The abductees were led by an identified officer from the police Law and Order Section.

As CIZC we are deeply concerned about law enforcement agents being deployed to institute a series of arbitrary arrests and abductions of citizens who are merely exercising their constitutional right to protest as outlined under Section 59 of the country’s Constitution.

As discontent continues togrow among ordinary Zimbabweans over Zanu (PF’s) misrule, CIZC is concerned that the political party has turned to manipulation of the security services to safeguard their stay in power.

To us, the stance taken by Zanu (PF) is responsible for the upsurge in cases of violation of people’s constitutional rights by law enforcement agents who are supposed to be custodians of the law and we fear for the worst as the country goes towards the 2018 elections.

Partisan conduct by the security services has been and continues to be responsible for arbitrary arrests of perceived and known opposition supporters as well as torture and murder of Zanu (PF) opponents hence Zanu (PF’s) determination to stay in power leaves us in great fear of an upsurge in human rights violations.

Section 208 (2) of thecountry’s Constitution is clear that members of the security services must not act in a partisan manner, further the interests of any political party orcause, prejudice the lawful interests of any political party or cause or violate the fundamental rights or freedoms of any person yet the security services have turned out to be the biggest violators of human rights as they seek to protect Zanu (PF’s) continued stay in power.

The 2008 political violence that claimed the lives of about 200 MDC-T supporters was perpetrated by the security services as well and with Zanu (PF) in a panic mood, our suspicion is high the revolutionary party will employ its dirty tactics again.

In light of this, CIZC shall continue with its lobby and advocacy campaigns to ensure respect for people’s fundamental rights and freedoms as well as upholding of the country’s supreme law.

ENDS//

Press Statement

06 /10/2016

State Security intensifies operations to thwart Unity Square Occupants

….as five of the 15 Activists arrested get a shocking $1000

Today the arrested  5 “16 Day Occupy Africa Unity Square  Activists” arrested were granted a shocking $1000 bail each and remanded in custody on cooked  up charges of robbery and obstructing the cause of justice . The occupants view $1000 bail condition as another away of tactically silencing the voice dissent.

The other 10 are still detained at Harare police station and up to now no substantial charges have been played against them which are a clear signs that this only a desperate ploy to destabilize the protest. 

We would want to make it clear that from the onset of the occupation the state security agents have been openly making moves to stop the occupants from continuing.

The occupants will never be stopped or be deterred by these intimidators moves until demands are met even after the sixteen days lapse, Zimbabweans are tired of being treated as stooges in their country while only a few political elites plunder the country`s resources at the expenses of the suffering of the masses.

The following is a statement produced chronicling events that led to the arrest:

Security alert from the square

Posted: Yesterday at 1:46am

At exactly 23:30h 3 ZRP officers tried to disperse us and we told them they had no constitutional right to disperse us. After 20minutes of heated argument with the police officers they walked away. At exactly midnight two women showed up walking towards us from the CNR third and Jason Moyo Avenue. As they approached us I noticed that they were wearing the same hats black and white striped hats, carrying tshangani bags. They passed us and stopped 10m away and inquired where 4th street was purporting to have disembarked a combi from Murehwa. I told them to go where they were going as we were aware of their intentions.

As they got to the fountain in the center of the park instead of going the direction we had told them they crossed with two other guys, I alerted the guys that something sinister was happening, Tatenda Mombeyarara noticed that there were men standing behind the toilets. The two women came back running screaming mbavha mbavha!  (thieves’ thieves). We just watched them as they ran past us. Instead of going straight to Jason Moyo they cut across the park into the dark and we saw the three policemen jumping from the hedge.

 The women accused Patson Dzamara and Makomborero Haruzivishe as the men who followed them and took their filthy, torn tshangani bags. As they were running, one of the two women dropped her bag where we were seated and the other one dropped it in the park.

When the police got to us they just picked up Mako and Patson. Four male protesters tried to reason with police and they didn't listen. Makomborero was beaten up here in the square and a white Santana emerged from the blue and the accused and the witnesses refused to embark in the car. They walked to Harare Central Police Station where Patson and Makomborero are detained. Brian Kansuzuma stood his ground fighting for justice. Special thanks to Takavingwa Komboni and Dirk Frey who swiftly responded in coming to strengthen security after our male counterparts had been arrested.

This whose drama was stage managed and is a mockery to our intelligence. The dirty, torn and smelly bags made out of sack are still in the square. Why did the police leave the evidence? Brian Kansuzuma has made his way back to the square and informed us that they handcuffed Mako and Patson and along the way they were tightening and pulling the handcuffs digging into their flesh. Price Mukono was beaten with one police officers elbow and fell down.

Ten minutes after the incident, two police officers came pretending not to know what transpired claiming they had received a call from Harare central police station. We narrated the whole incidence to them and ironically they left the bags as well.

We are not stupid. We will not be abused. We are sick and tired of a partisan police force that serves the interest of ZANU PF. These stage managed shows show that this government has ran out of ideas. Zimbabwe is our country and we will fight viciously for the rule of law to be restored.

“United in our diversity for the restoration of Zimbabwe”

Linda T. Masarira
Occupation Spokesperson

The occupants of the African Unity Square who have spent the last chilling 10 nights camping at the park protesting against the government of Zimbabwe on several issues and demands note with concern efforts by State Security Agents to unconstitutionally demoralize , destabilize and stop the protesters from completing the 16 days of Occupying the Africa Unity Square.

The occupants are well aware of the ploy by the state security agents to stop the occupation through 

Zimbabwean police arrest anti-Mugabe protesters.

• AFRICA
• Friday 10 June 2016 - 1:13pm

HARARE, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwean police arrested 15 people, including a journalist and the brother of a missing political activist, during a public protest against President Robert Mugabe, a lawyer said Friday.

Opposition is mounting against the 92-year-old Mugabe, whose decades in office have been marked by economic decline, repression of dissent, claims of vote-rigging, mass unemployment and emigration.

"Some were arrested last night. Some, earlier," lawyer Obey Shava told AFP.

"The charges are robbery and obstructing or defeating the course of justice."

Shava said police rounded up the activists while they were holding a vigil in Africa Unity Square in central Harare calling upon Mugabe, in power since 1980, to step down.

The police claimed the protesters had robbed a woman passing by.

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The square has been the venue of a series of protests over the disappearance of political activist Itai Dzamara who was abducted in March last year, allegedly by military intelligence agents.

His brother Patson, who was among those arrested, last week released a picture he said showed the missing man being held at an undisclosed location.

The army has denied responsibility for Dzamara’s abduction.

The journalist arrested at the protest was Paidamoyo Muzulu of NewsDay.

A group of churches, including the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, the Prayer Network of Zimbabwe and the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, on Thursday joined a chorus of demands that Mugabe should quit.

"There is a clear indication and consensus that President Robert Mugabe has failed us. We feel very strongly that he too old to continue," the convenor of the meeting, Pastor Ancelimo Magaya, told local media.

AFP