Williams and Mahlangu, leaders of WOZA, have been languishing in Mlondolozi Female Prison for two weeks under charges of “disturbing the peace and security/order of the public” under the draconian Section 37 1(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
“The MDC demands an immediate end to the harassment and arrest of civil society leaders and activists,” MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said. “We demand that Zanu (PF) complies with the people’s will, which is the expedient formation of an inclusive government that will result in unfettered democracy where the people of Zimbabwe will be free to express themselves.”
Mahlangu was nursing injuries in custody sustained when she was beaten by police when the protest was broken up.
“Obviously she hasn’t been given access to medical treatment. She has been in custody sleeping on concrete floors. She is in pain,” WOZA spokesperson, Sibanda, added.
Amnesty International says Williams and Mahlangu are “prisoners of conscience” and that the Zimbabwean government should release them “immediately and unconditionally as they have been detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of association and assembly.”