15 WOZA members detained briefly by riot police in Harare

By Tererai Karimakwenda
07 February, 2008

About fifteen members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were briefly detained Thursday afternoon after riot police descended on them in Harare’s Africa Unity Square. The WOZA members hail from Bulawayo and were in the capital to attend the “People’s Convention” that starts Friday morning.

WOZA coordinator Jenni Williams said there was some mix up at the hotel and security staff told them to clear the area. They decided to wait in the Square where riot police immediately approached them and searched their bags. Soon after several vehicles arrived and took the activists to Harare Central Station. It is not clear why they were detained.

About 30 minutes later more police vehicles arrived at Africa Unity Square looking for the remaining WOZA activists. But lawyers were already at the scene and they blocked additional arrests.

Williams explained that the People’s Convention had received police clearance. But on Thursday lawyers were summoned back to the station where the police interrogated them about trivial issues such as the location of toilets at the Convention. Williams believes the police were being difficult, as always.

WOZA members from all over the country are in Harare to attend the People’s Convention. The event provides a platform for ordinary Zimbabweans to discuss critical issues that affect their lives. This includes the type of a democratic dispensation they want and expect. The group said 4,000 people are expected at the Convention.

Despite notifying the police WOZA members have been arrested on several occasions over the past few years. Many have been severely assaulted during the arrests and while in police custody. Additionally, police have consistently raided the homes of WOZA members, claiming they are looking for WOZA coordinators Jenni Williams and Magodonga Malhangu.

The defiant activists have vowed to continue their street actions pressuring for a decent living, including affordable food, housing, school fees and health care.