State security agents have launched a massive nationwide crackdown in Zimbabwe against pro-democracy activists, including a minister of religion and student leader, resulting in an international condemnation by western nations, the European Union and other organizations.
Although police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi was unreachable for comment, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights reports that police today arrested opposition Citizens Coalition for Change activists in Kariba, Bulawayo, Mutare, Harare and other cities in what appears to be a nationwide operation following remarks by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe that they will deal ruthlessly with those planning to state protests before and during the forthcoming SADC Summit in Harare.
Among those also arrested today are Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe party, Bishop Kevin Nyamukapa, student leader Emmanuel Stima and others.
At the same time, pro-democracy activists - Robson Chere of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, education leader Namatai Kwekweza Councillor Samuel Gwenzi and Vusumuzi Sibanda, who were arrested on Wednesday in plane in Harare on their way to a meeting in Victoria Falls, appeared in court today facing charges of violating some provisions of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.
Chere was allegedly seriously beaten up by state security agents.
The four allegedly spearheaded a peaceful protest outside the magistrates courts recently demanding the release of 78 CCC activists, including their leader Jameson Timba, who were arrested at his home while commemorating the Day of the African Child.
Reacting to the arrests, the United States Embassy in Harare, said, “The increasing reports of detention & violence toward Zimbabweans exercising their constitutional rights of freedom of expression & assembly run counter to the democratic principles upon which SADC is built.”
The British government has also expressed dismay over the arrests. In a statement, the British High Commission in Harare said, “Following these developments and statements by the Govt of Zimbabwe closely. Ahead of this month’s SADC summit in Harare, we urge the authorities to uphold the rule of law, including constitutional rights to assembly and association, and to ensure due process for all Zimbabweans.”
The European Union noted that the arrests were a violation of the rights of Zimbabweans. “We the Heads of Mission of the European Union in Harare are deeply concerned about the multiple arrests that have occurred over the last two months.”
Margret Verwijk, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia, said the arrests were disturbing.
“We urge the authorities to uphold fundamental freedoms in line with the Zimbabwe Constitution and international human rights obligations including on arrest, detention and legal proceedings.”
According to Mary Lawlor, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, the United Nations “is shocked by reports that HRDs including Namatai Kwekweza and robson Chere were detained yesterday in Zimbabwe … and at least one mistreated in custody. Namatai joined us last year for a meeting on youth HRDs & is an inspirational young woman. All must be released now.”
The Zimbabwean government is tightlipped over the arrests amid indications that more arrests will be made within the next 24 hours as the country clamps down on opponents ahead of the SADC Summit slated for August 16.
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe was unreachable for comment as his mobile phose was switched off. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba was also unreachable for comment as he was not responding to calls on his mobile phone.