ZCTU leaders arrested for ‘illegal’ meeting Zimbabwe Standard Date posted:Sun 8-Aug-2004 Date published:Sun 8-Aug-2004
Back to previous page		The crowd was forced to disperse after riot police stormed into the hall By our own staff Four Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) leaders arrested on Thursday by police in Gweru, for allegedly holding an illegal meeting, are still in police custody. Those arrested are, secretary general, Wellington Chibhebhe, first vice president Lucia Matibenga, co-ordinator, Timothy Kondo and Midlands vice-chairperson, Sam Machinda. ZCTU deputy secretary, Collin Gwiyo, told The Standard that the four were arrested after police broke up their meeting on allegations of holding an illegal gathering. Gwiyo said the crowd was forced to disperse after riot police stormed into the hall. “They are being charged under POSA as the police allege that we did no seek police clearance for the meeting,” Gwiyo said. “We are a worker-related organisation and we have always argued that we should be exempted from this. We are not a political party.” Gwiyo said the continued detention of the workers was illegal. “We condemn the arrest and the continued detention our leaders and we are calling on all progressive peoples to condemn this as it is a total violation of the constitution of the country and a serious human rights violation.” Gwiyo said ZCTU was seeking an urgent High Court application for the release of the four.