via Cops beat WOZA again – The Zimbabwean 19 February 2015
More than 550 members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) held two “Love processions” on February 13 to hand over a petition to the resident minister in Bulawayo.
The protest was conducted under the theme Demanding Dignity – Demanding Women’s Empowerment! It followed a civic education programme covering the constitution clauses on the right to earn a living. Members’ demands were written on placards and contained in the Woza Moya newsletter being distributed along with the traditional Valentine’s red roses.
The demands included the creation of jobs, a halt on the relocation of informal traders from Bulawayo city centre and the urgent convening of a country wide consultation to map a collective way forward on how to revamp the economy putting women and youth at the centre of the economic empowerment action plan.
As the final stage of the programme was coming to an end, 15 riot police arrived and started to push the women away with baton sticks. WOZA leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu both advised the police officers that the protest was now dispersing and asked them to allow for closing slogans for peaceful dispersing. Both were rudely told to shut up and manhandled as they tried to stress that police officers were now causing disorder. The police then herded the women in a forced procession going out of town, prodding, manhandling and beating them. Six members received medical attention for soft tissue damage, and one fainted.
COMMENTS
Woza beating again by these thuggish police. Mapolice you are very fortunate to be in Zimbabwe. Touch the women in South Africa and see what would happen to you . You should go there for a lesson where Mugabe and his goons can’t help you.