The others were released soon after the arrest. But Mpofu was charged with “aggressive behavior towards police” and made to pay an admission of guilt fine before being released four hours later.
SW Radio Africa correspondent Lionel Saungweme said the police also confiscated posters that the MDC-T activists were distributing ahead of the party’s 13th anniversary celebrations, which are to be held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday.
“They were driving around distributing flyers for the Saturday celebrations when they were approached by plain clothes officers who said the driver had no license. So the driver produced a license. Then they accused them of breaching POSA by having too many people in the car,” Saungweme said.
Saungweme reported that the police officers began quarrelling with the MDC-T activists and officials, which led to their arrest and charges of “improper conduct against the police”.
“A Constable Dube was behind the arrests together with known members of the CIO & anti-riot police officers who had come to reinforce their colleagues. They arrested Tsepiso and eight others with no specific charges,” Saungweme said.
The MDC-T anniversary rally is set to be held amidst water shortages that have plagued Bulawayo recently. Saungweme said: “The high density areas have been hit the hardest. But the mayor told the MDC leadership four bowsers would be provided to avoid a health disaster at White City Stadium.”
Senior MDC-T officials, including party president Morgan Tsvangirai and secretary general Tendai Biti will address the supporters at the rally, highlighting the abuses the party has been forced to endure since its formation in 1999. – SW Radio Africa News
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