via ZCTU slams cops, urges workers to fight – NewZimbabwe 06/01/2016
THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has condemned the disruption of a peaceful teachers’ demonstration by the police Monday and called on workers to unite and demand their rights.
Anti-riot police brutally broke up a demonstration by members of the Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (RTUZ) who were protesting against government’s failure to pay civil servants their December salaries and bonuses.
Three members of the RTUZ were arrested during the demonstration which the police claimed was illegal.
The three, Obert Masaraure, Pride Mukono and Robson Chere were later released after the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights intervened.
In a statement Wednesday, ZCTU secretary general Japhet Moyo said police should respect human rights.
“We hear that a number of demonstrators were injured by overzealous baton wielding ZRP officers who went on a rampage, beating everyone on sight,” said Moyo.
“As the ZCTU, we strongly condemn the act of the police as it is contrary to the Constitution of Zimbabwe that allows anyone to demonstrate without being restricted.”
ZRP spokesperson, Charity Charamba, told the state media that the demonstration was organised by MDC activists and some members of the Zimbabwe National Students Union.
ZCTU recently warned of more mass protests this year if government continued to ignore the workers’ plight.
The country’s biggest workers representative body whose members have been victims to police brutality before, said by continuing to neglect workers, government was inviting social unrest.
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