Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu appeared in Bulawayo Magistrate’s Court this morning on trial for two charges, one relating to an arrest in October 2008 and the other to an arrest in June 2004, the statement said.
Kossam Ncube, who is representing the WOZA activists asked the presiding magistrate to dismiss the charges against the two, arguing that by their nature, demonstrations were public activities held in public places and therefore bound to cause some form of public disturbance.
As peaceful demonstrations are allowed under the Constitution, those participating in peaceful demonstrations cannot be charged with disturbing the peace, the defence lawyer told the court.
The court will next Tuesday make a ruling on whether to proceed with the trial under the current charges or to dismiss the charges.
Under Zimbabwe's tough Public Order and Security Act (POSA), Zimbabweans must first seek permission from the police before staging any demonstrations or public gatherings to discuss politics.
But WOZA has over the past six years consistently defied the law to stage surprise demonstrations in urban areas against President Robert Mugabe's government which they blame for plunging the country into economic crisis.
Last October Williams and Mahlangu were arrested in Bulawayo for leading a protest demanding that the food situation in the country be declared a national disaster and everyone be able to access food aid whilst protracted power-sharing talks between Mugabe and the opposition should be concluded urgently.
The two were held in custody for three weeks – first at Bulawayo Central Police Station, then at Bulawayo Remand Prison before spending the remainder of the time at Mlondolozi Prison, the statement said.
Their arrest, detention and trial is in violation of the September 15 global political agreement between Mugabe's ZANU PF party and the two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formations.
Post published in: Politics