he Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has noted with concern moves by the state to clamp down on activists who are leading the current campaign on the economic meltdown.

Of concern is the arrest today of #SHUTDOWNZIM PASTOR Evan Mawarire who was arrested charged with incitement to commit public violence as defined in section 187(1) (a) as read with section 36 (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.

He is accused of being in possession of a stolen helmet, baton stick and other subversive material that he allegedly used to incite public violence on 6 July 2016. Police officers have since conducted searches at Pastor Evan Mawarire’s residence and church in Harare.

In Bulawayo Honourable Thabitha Khumalo was summoned to Bulawayo Central Police Station around 9:50 am yesterday where police questioned her over involvement with the planned protests. Honorable Khumalo was released just before noon. On Monday 11 July 2016, a Harare Magistrate released Promise Mukwanazi on $300 bail. He was arrested on 8 July 2016 and was charge with Public Violence as defined in Section 36 (1) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23

This witch hunt is uncalled for and the ZCTU strongly condemns such blatant misuse of power by the State and calls upon the government of Zimbabwe to respect the rights of people to demonstrate as enshrined in the constitution.

Japhet Moyo

SECRETARY-GENERAL

13 July 2016