CIO, Informers deployed in schools

operatives had been dispatched, posing as innocent teachers to inform the state security of those supporting the opposition MDC and spying on brutality perpetrated by the government.
Names have been supplied of operatives in the district who are collecting names of pro-MDC teachers from students, especially those in villages.
Tafadzwa Masakwa (not his real name) a teacher from Matande primary school has
confirmed this development as disturbing and threatening not only to teachers and
students but on rights which the Zimbabwean constitution accords such as freedom of
expression and association.
“This kind of behaviour by the government is highly unwelcome as it infringes on the
democratic rights of Zimbabweans, to freely associate with political parties, civic
societies which they believe are good in ensuring their rights are preserved,” said
Masakwa.
One of the informers speaking to The Zimbabwean on condition his identity would be
protected confirmed the developments but said such orders were coming from the
authorities – hence difficult to resist.
“We have been instructed by our superiors to spy on all who are supporting the MDC and the western allies, and failure to do so might even mean paying with our lives, that the Zimbabwe we are now living in,” commented one.
The government’s intimidation of teachers has already led to an estimated 10,000 fleeing to South Africa in recent years. – Trust Matsilele