20 students arrested as government bans rallies in all major cities

By Tererai Karimakwenda
06 March, 2007

Student leaders from the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) report that police in Bulawayo used teargas and brute force to disperse thousands of students who had gathered for a general meeting at Hillside Teachers College. They said 20 students had been arrested and are being accused of inciting others to boycott classes. The arrests took place as news spread that the government has extended the ban on public gatherings to all major cities. Reports say a circular from Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi was distributed to police commanders over the weekend ordering senior police officials to apply a ban, that was initiated in Harare, to all major cities and towns.

The students had earlier this month called for a national strike starting Wednesday, March 7th. Maureen Kademaunga, secretary general of the Student Representative Council at the University of Zimbabwe, said the arrested include the Zimbabwe National Students Union Secretary General, Beloved Chiweshe, Lawrence Mashungu and Trust Nhubu.

Kademaunga said approximately 2,500 students attended the meeting at which they launched their “Save Our Future/Save our Education” campaign. They had also resolved to go ahead with the class boycott when police threw teargas canisters and began assaulting them. No serious injuries were reported. The students are demanding affordable fees, better accommodation and catering and reasonable salaries for lecturers and staff.

The extended police ban is believed to be a response to weekend rallies that saw supporters of the Tsvangirai MDC defy police and flock to hear their party officials at three separate rallies held in Budiriro, Murehwa and Makoni West. At two of the rallies police interfered by using teargas and baton sticks to disperse the crowds. This ignited running battles with rally-goers and innocent street vendors who were mostly women with babies on their backs.
Our contacts say notices of the extended ban have already been posted in several cities and the atmosphere is tense. Reports said the circular distributed to police officials read in part: “You are advised that all public, political gatherings and demonstrations in major urban centres under your jurisdiction have been banned.” It also said: "The ban should remain in force until further notice since the measure is meant to protect ordinary citizens and their properties in view of threats by some elements within the opposition to embark on street protests,” read the circular.
The Tsvangirai MDC have said they will defy the ban and they urged supporters to exercise their constitutional right to assembly by continuing to attend the rallies.

Itai Zimunya of The Crisis Coalition said the major cities are seeing beefed up police patrols. But he added that it was too late and this will not bring food and a better economy for the people. He believes the government is treating the wrong ailment. Zimunya also warned that the extra police patrols sleeping in tents around the country will soon get fed up of being ill treated by the government as well. He said the people have become stronger and are willing to defend themselves against police brutality.

Meanwhile the Women of Zimbabwe Arise report that they launched their People’s Charter in Masvingo with WOZA members taking to the streets of that city on Tuesday. No incidents were reported but 36 members were arrested Monday after launching the People’s Charter in the Midlands town of Gweru. All were expected in court Wednesday morning but they still have not been charged.