Madhuku still in police custody as students threaten solidarity demo

By Lance Guma
02 November 2006

The leader of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) Dr Lovemore Madhuku remains in police custody, following his arrest Wednesday. Madhuku and two NCA officials, Frank Nyagumbo and Marko Shoko, were arrested following a demonstration demanding a new constitution. The three are being held at Harare Central Police station in the capital. Lawyer Alec Muchadehama on Wednesday complained about not having any meaningful contact with his clients. The lack of clear information has already fuelled speculation the NCA leader is being subjected to torture whilst in custody.

According to an NCA official who spoke to Newsreel, no charges have been placed so far and it remains unclear when the trio will be released. Madock Chivasa a spokesperson for the NCA released a statement saying “In as much as Dr Madhuku has committed no offence and in as much as the police have up to now failed to come up with charges against him, we call for his urgent and unconditional release.’ Over 300 people are reported to have participated in the NCA protest march at Africa Unity Square. Riot police were deployed and violently broke up the demonstration. Journalists covering the march were harassed in the ensuing melee while over 50 NCA members were taken to a private hospital after sustaining serious injuries from police assaults.

Meanwhile the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has threatened to demonstrate if Madhuku is not released by Friday. Washington Katema, a ZINASU coordinator, says there is no justification for Madhuku’s continued detention. The students say they are alarmed at the worsening human rights violations taking place in the country. Just last week 43 students were arrested for demonstrating in Bulawayo while demanding better learning conditions. A further 12 student leaders in Masvingo suffered the same fate after organising a general students meeting. Several students have already been suspended or expelled for taking part in the demonstrations.