Spontaneous protests in Bulawayo

By Lance Guma
11 August 2005

Eleven youths were arrested in the Bulawayo high density suburb of Emakhandeni on Wednesday evening when a flyer distribution campaign for the mayoral elections turned into a spontaneous demonstration by residents. A small group of MDC youths had been conducting a door to door campaign in the area and also distributing flyers campaigning for the incumbent mayor, Japhet Ndabeni Ncube. A steady stream of residents joined in the group and before long they were chanting slogans denouncing the government and complaining about lack of water and erratic electricity supplies.

Riot police squads then descended on the procession, firing shots into the air and dispersing the crowds. Youth leader Ellen Shiriyedenga says there is a lot of 'accumulated anger' in the suburbs and it only takes small unplanned opportunities like this to give them the courage to go on the streets. Meanwhile the arrested youths remain in police custody and Shiriyedenga, was preparing food to take to them at the police station. The MDC meanwhile has sent its legal team to try and ascertain the charges from the police.

Preliminary information available however suggests they will be charged under the miscellaneous offences act for blocking pavements. Police in the country have in the past outlawed the distribution of fliers without any foundation in law for their actions.