20 MDC supporters arrested and police raid MDC homes in Chitungwiza

By Tererai Karimakwenda
22 March, 2007

On Thursday morning about 20 supporters of the MDC were arrested after they took to the streets of Harare to protest the killing by police of MDC member Itai Manyeruke. The protesters believe the police tortured Manyeruke to death after they detained him, following the blocked prayer rally in Highfield on 12th March. The family had been looking for him for over a week, only to find his corpse stashed at a morgue without their knowledge.

The arrested MDC protesters are reported to have remained jovial and jubilant after armed police descended on the peaceful demonstration. They are currently being held at Harare Central Police Station.

Manyeruke was the second opposition supporter killed by police at that tragic rally two Sundays ago. The first was Gift Tandare, whose body was abducted by suspected CIO agents from a funeral parlour in Harare and buried in Mt. Darwin without his family. Officials from the Save Zimbabwe Campaign who met this week resolved to hold a ‘healing service’ for Tandare. It’s being reported that this memorial service is now scheduled for Monday.

Also on Thursday, the Mutambara MDC reported that police in Chitungwiza raided the home of the St Mary’s Member of Parliament Job Sikhala demanding to know his whereabouts. Failing to find him, they raided more homes in Zengeza and St Mary’s, indiscriminately assaulting anyone suspected of having distributed fliers for a rally scheduled for Sunday. MDC president Arthur Mutambara is expected to address the rally at Huruyadzo Shopping centre and it is believed police are attempting to block it.

The MDC said several supporters were assaulted and arrested while distributing the fliers and mobilizing residents to attend what they are calling “the defiance rally.” Those assaulted include an expectant mother and lawyers were trying hard to access them in the police cells.