140 MDC activists arrested in Mutare

By Tichaona Sibanda
12 March 2007

The police crackdown on the opposition continued on Monday when 140 MDC activists, including women and children, were arrested at the start of an anti-government protest in central Mutare.

The protesters were demonstrating against the murder of MDC activist Gift Tandari by the police in Highfields on Sunday and the subsequent arrest and detention of the MDC leaders.

MDC spokesman Pishai Muchauraya spoke to us from Mutare central prison cells and confirmed that police had picked up 140 activists, but could not confirm if any of them were beaten.

‘They are currently getting cautioned statements from us and we have yet to hear the charges against us. But it’s most likely we will spend the night in the cells and take us to court tomorrow (Tuesday),’ Muchauraya said.

In Masvingo at least 10 students including Zimbabwe National Students Union vice-president, Gideon Chitanga were arrested Monday following on- going class boycotts at Masvingo State University, according to information from the Crisis Coalition.