According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Abammeli, a group of lawyers which offers free legal assistance to people from Matabeleland region, more than 40 politicians and human rights activists have been arrested in the province since January.
Edmore Veterai, the police officer commanding Matabeleland province has been accused of masterminding the persecution.. Like his boss, Commissioner Augustine Chihuri, Veterai has publicly declared his political allegiance to Zanu (PF).
Speaking at a belated police Christmas party at Eland police farm in Bubi in April, Veterai said he and the police would campaign vigorously for the re-election of the incumbent Zanu (PF) MP Clifford Sibanda.
“Chef we want to tell you that kuno mwakatohwina kare. (you have already won the elections here) We will make sure that you retain your seat,” said Veterai at the party.
High Court judge justice Nicholas Mathonsi chided top police officers for lacking knowledge of the law, adding that such ignorant officers posed a threat to the public.
In April, Lizwe Jamela of ZLHR and his colleagues, Nosimilo Chanaiwa and Nikiwe Ncube, were in arrested at a roadblock in Hwange and detained for almost a day while going to represent Father Mauto Mkandla of the Roman Catholic Church who was arrested at a national healing meeting.
Kucaca Phulu, a lawyer with Abammeli, said it was clear that the police in the police were acting as an appendage of Zanu (PF).
“We also have a problem with police officers who come from other provinces. They cannot communicate with the local people and they see themselves as superior,” he added.
Arrested, harassed
Co-minister National Healing and Integration, Moses Mzila Ndlovu, arrested twice
Leader of smaller MDC, Welshman Ncube, arrested a few weeks ago
Zimrights activists Florence Ndlovu and Walter Dube – arrested for conducting torture workshops
Activist Joram Dube – detained for two weeks at Nkayi police station without going to court.
ZLHR lawyers Lizwe Jamela, Nosimilo Chanaiwa and Nikiwe Ncube – arrested and detained for a day
Journalists, Pindai Dube, Pamenus Tuso, Nqobani Ndlovu and Oscar Nkala – arrested in Ntabazinduna
Post published in: News