via MDC-T youths defy police, stage protests – New Zimbabwe 28/10/2015
POLICE in Harare Tuesday tried in vain to block hundreds of MDC-T youths who were demonstrating against the government.
The youths vowed to continue demonstrating every week until their grievances are met.
Harare MDC-T Youth Assembly Secretary Denford Ngadziore told New Zimbabwe that among their many grievances was the issue of Itai Dzamara, a journalist who was kidnapped early this year and has not been seen since.
He said they were also protesting government’s failure to provide promised jobs and make electoral reforms.
“As you are aware, it is over a year now since Dzamara was abducted by Zanu agents.
“We will continue demanding for his release and if he is dead, we want to have his body and give him a decent burial,” said an irate Ngadziore.
The demonstration started after mid-morning at corner Nelson Mandela and Chinhoyi Streets.
The youths then proceeded to First and Nelson Mandela Streets where a confrontation with police occurred but, managed to proceed to Parliament where they handed over a petition to an unnamed official.
“It is our constitutional right to demonstrate and we do not need police clearance to demonstrate.
“Let it be known that we will wait for the parliament’s response and continue demanding electoral reforms,” Ngadziore said.
Ngadziore said it was high time youths exercised their constitutional rights and pushed Mugabe and his cronies to make necessary reforms before the 2018 elections.
“This is our time to stamp our authority and get what belong to us. We are hungry, jobless and ready to confront this corrupt regime which has made our life miserable,” he added.
The Youth Organizing Secretary, Harare Province Lovejay Chitengu said they were “ready to die” because they were going through an “agonizing period” which calls for action.
Some vendors, angry with the city council which routinely harasses them, also joined in.
The youths threatened to mobilize huge crowds in their next demonstration.
“Next week you will see a much bigger crowd than the one you saw today,” Ngadziore said.
Last week MDC-T secretary general Douglas Mwonzora warned that there was going to massive protests unless the government tried to address the masses’ grievances.
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