.
The peaceful protesters marched for four blocks
through the eastern city to Megawatt House, the local
headquarters of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply
Authority (ZESA), where they delivered protest notes
(see below) and their demand for better electricity
supply and an end to corruption. The group sang and
toyi-toyied for several minutes within the ZESA
offices before dispersing. Police were seen to react
fifteen minutes after the group had left Megawatt
House.
The Mutare demonstration follows WOZA sit-ins at ZESA
offices in Bulawayo, Harare and Masvingo. After the
protests, activists in both Bulawayo and Harare were
arrested and tortured in police custody, exposing the
brutality of a regime that attacks its citizens for
demanding an electricity service that matches the high
tariffs people are forced to pay.
Whilst there have been no reports of arrests so far,
it is anticipated that some members may be followed to
their homes and picked up later in the day, as this is
what occurred after the sit-ins in Masvingo. Two
members were arrested in Masvingo having been followed
to their homes, although they were later released.
In a separate matter, the 20 members arrested in
Masvingo at the beginning of March during the launch
of the People’s Charter in the provincial capital, are
to appear on trial tomorrow, 5th July, on charges
under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
WOZA once again pays tribute to the people of Mutare
for taking to the street with their demands, despite
ongoing state brutality and the recent cold weather,
which would have made time in police cells extremely
difficult. WOZA encourages other Zimbabweans to join
in the demand for power to the people by 2008 –
together we can achieve the brighter future we
deserve.
Ends
For more information, please email
info@wozazimbabwe.org or call Jenni Williams on +263
91 898 110 / +263 91 300 456 or Magodonga on +263 91
362 668. If they are unavailable, please contact Annie
Sibanda on +263 91 898 112.