Members of the #Tajamuka/Sesijikile campaign who are occupying Africa Unit square have vowed to continue fighting government’s misrule despite the fact that they were imprisoned and ordered to pay an exorbitant bail.
Speaking to 263Chat, Zimbabwe Women in Politics Alliance, (ZWIPPA) national coordinator, Linda Musariri, who was arrested together with other 14 activists camped at Africa Unity Square, said they are determined to fight for the reclamation of the country’s economy which has drastically dwindled.
“Getting arrested does not stop us from reclaiming what we have lost through the government’s maladministration,” she said.
After narrating her prison escapades, Musariri demanded that government must seize forced labour prevailing among people who would have been remanded in custody.
“People in remand are forced to work, which is illegal, the government should respond to that.
“I have also seen prisoners eating unhealthy meals in prison, so I am saying the government should not stay back and watch this being done to fellow Zimbabweans,” she said.
Five of the activists including Patson Dzamara, brother to the missing journalist Itai Dzamara were charged with robbery and obstructing or defeating the course of justice
The activists had their bail revised from between $500 and $1 000 to between $200 and $400 each after they failed to raise the money.
Promise Mkwananzi, #Tajamuka/Sesijikile spokesperson roundly condemned the Zanu PF government for brazenly violating citizens’ right to participate in peaceful protests and using brute force to quell dissenting voices.
“We condemn the high-handed and unlawful action by the police in violently crushing a peaceful demonstrations. It is apparent that the Zanu PF regime is afraid of the people of Zimbabwe,” he said adding that the running battles between them and the police are going to be a permanent feature if government fails to take heed to their calls.
