Several people converged at Africa Unity Square today to press the government to find abducted political activist Itai Dzamara of Occupy Africa Unity Square who disappeared 17 months ago.
Patson Dzamara, the brother of Itai, Jestina Mukoko of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, who was once abducted by state security agents, and several other activists said they would hold such events until the former journalist-cum protest leader is found.
Riot police known for their alleged heavy handedness today left Africa Unity Square after some children, who participated in the event, tried to give them flowers and cakes as a sign of love.
Dzamara said they decided to bring children to ensure that they are not attacked by the police.
Itai’s wife, Sheffra Dzamara, told Studio 7 that she is living a painful life with her two minor children who no longer have a father.
She urged the government to release her husband.
Dirk Frey, an activist who used to engage in protests together with Itai Dzamara at Africa Unity Square before his abduction, said they will continue to mark the vision and spirit of Itai Dzamara.
Stanley Zvorwadza, the chairperson of the National Vendors Union who led the young children to handover the flowers to the riot police that were at Africa Unity Square, warned the government to desist from abductions.
Director of Zimbabwe Activist Alliance, Lynette Mudehwe who was among those that gave solidarity messages at the event, called on President Mugabe to value Zimbabweans the same way he values his own family.
Itai Dzamara was abducted on March 9th in 2015 after calling for the resignation of President Mugabe for allegedly failing to run Zimbabwe.
Although the courts instructed state security agents to investigate Dzamara’s disappearance and give his family regular updates of their findings, Patson Dzamara claims that the police have defied the court order.
Police spokesperson Charity Charamba was not reachable for comment.
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Report on Itai Dzamara Filed By Patricia Mudadigwa