With cries of ‘We want Itai’, ‘Bring back Itai’ and ‘Zanu PF murderers’, the group demanded to see the Ambassador. Frightened staff pointed to a door but a voice from inside that room shouted ‘don’t let them in’.
In the meantime police – some of them armed – swarmed into the building summoned by a panic button. The protesters explained they were simply making a peaceful request for information from their Embassy because Dzamara had been seized by state agents but had not been charged with any offence within the required seven days and they had a right to ask for an explanation.
The police asked them to continue the protest outside and they immediately left without causing any damage or harm to anyone. The Embassy then closed for the day.
Those taking part in the protest were: Charles Dumisani Ndlovu and Deborah Harry who led the way into the building followed by Martin Chinyanga, Erick and Mary Eluwasi, Danny Kadiki, Arthur Molife, Thobile Gwebu and Fungayi Mabhunu. For a video of the protest see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHvbuHUZTgA.
The protest against the feared murder of Itai Dzamara continued at the Vigil on Saturday with posters reading ‘Where is Itai Dzamara?’ and ‘Release Itai Dzamara’. And at meeting of the Zimbabwe Action Forum after the Vigil it was agreed to send the following letter to the Ambassador.
Dear Ambassador
We would like to discuss with you the abduction of the human rights activist Itai Dzamara who was seen being taken away in an unmarked car by five armed men on Monday 9th March.
We fear that he is the latest victim of the Central Intelligence Organisation which has been responsible for the disappearance of thousands of opponents of the Mugabe regime.
Zimbabwe Vigil fears that the unbridled criminal behaviour by the Mugabe regime is stoking a fire which could consume our people.
Because the Embassy has no letterbox we will deliver this letter in person. We assure you that we come with peaceful intentions and intend at all times to obey the law which recognises our rights as Zimbabweans to approach our Embassy.
Zimbabwe Vigil
In our diary of 15th November 2014 we reported as follows: The last Vigil diary reported the police attack on human rights activist Itai Dzamara for protesting in Africa Unity Square in Harare. We have been inspired by his courage and his confidence of change in Zimbabwe as expressed in his facebook page of Sunday 9th November: ‘My time in hospital has afforded me huge spaces of quietness, reflection, introspection and meditation.
I am left without any doubt about three things. First, a new Zimbabwe is very possible, out of civil, peaceful and resolute means. I have seen and experienced enough during the past three weeks, to know that beyond any doubt. Secondly, l have come to understand and appreciate that, really, the majority of us, Zimbabweans, are convinced that this is not the Zimbabwe we want. Therefore, there is only one route to take – fighting for a better nation. We have to do it, if not for today or now, certainly for our children and the future.
The fight does not require bombs, knobkerries or machetes. It requires determination, peace and love. Lastly my presence in hospital bears testimony to the fact that there are elements and forces bent on resisting our struggle for a better Zimbabwe – including through murder. But I have just completed a set of gym exercises this morning, to the shock of everyone, bearing testimony to the power and grace that is beyond human instinct or murder plots – just three days ago I was left for dead.
I am left without any doubt at all that a new Zimbabwe is possible through our genuine efforts and without shedding blood or breaking bones. I am ready to continue playing my part and hereby challenge you to step up and do your duty. Through civil, peaceful and resolute means, we can make it because: We are the people! We are the numbers! Let’s go!’
Other points
• One of our supporters, Epiphania Phiri, says she last phoned Itai the night before his abduction to tell him she was sending money. She carried out the transaction but the money has still not been picked up and she is trying to get a refund so she can resend it to Itai’s family. The Vigil is still collecting for him. See our campaigns page (http://www.zimvigil.co.uk/vigil-news/campaign-news/672-bring-back-itai-dzamara-fund-appeal) for how to get money to his family.
Post published in: Analysis