12 arrested after protest at ZANU-PF headquarters
A dozen ZANU-PF activists have appeared in court on charges relating to a protest held at the party’s national headquarters in Harare last week.
Wellington Mutsvangwa, Melisa Master, 27, Ireen Makuvire, 50, Ernest Thuola, 35, Tinashe Nheya, 27, Prince Chatendeuka, 36, Tafara Rusere, 30, Edson Chabvuta, 30, Larson Masenda, 43, Rosewiter Munhava, 34, 32, Blessed Kadumba, 28, and Portia Mhishi 35 briefly faced Magistrate Apolonia Marutya to answer to accusations of public violence.
According to prosecutors, the group went to the ZANU-PF offices on September 19th calling for the removal of Emmanuel Mahachi from his position as Harare Youth League chairman. Witnesses say those arrested were loudly chanting slogans like “Mahachi must go” while wearing black t-shirts with the same message.
When police arrived and requested the demonstrators disperse, it’s alleged the activists refused to comply and continued their protest. As a result, the 12 individuals were taken into custody.
