Friday, 14 November 2008 01:56
MDC supporters cheer as it became apparent that ZANU-Pf had been defeated during the March 29 electionsThe opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) says it fears for the lives of 12 of its members arrested two weeks ago as their whereabouts remain unknown after the police failed to bring them to court despite a High Court order issued on Tuesday.
The 12 were arrested in pre-dawn raids at their homes in Banket, Chinhoyi but the party, its lawyers and relatives have been denied access to them. The people who arrested them looted property and party regalia during the raid. "The continued violence against MDC members is testimony that the leopard has not changed its spots.
The regime has begun a systematic crackdown on the largest party in the country as it tries in vain to solidify trumped-up charges of banditry and terrorism against MDC supporters," said the MDC in a statement. Over 250 MDC activists have been brutally murdered by suspected Zanu PF militia and State security agents since March election in which MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai defeated President Robert Mugabe.
Among the 12 detained MDC activists is Concilia Chinanzvavana, the Women's Assembly provincial chairperson for Mashonaland West and her husband, Emmanuel Chinanzvavana. Concilia was the MDC parliamentary candidate for Zvimba South constituency during the harmonised elections held in March while her husband is an elected councillor in Banket.
"We believe that Zanu PF must begin to show respect for human life. Since 1980, Zanu PF has not shown any respect for the sanctity of human life and the rule of law. The unlawful arrests, detentions and abductions of MDC supporters should cease as a matter of urgency. We are comforted by the fact that the people of Zimbabwe will win their battle against tyranny," said the MDC.
High Court Judge Justice Charles Hungwe ruled that the detained be brought to court at or before 4 MP on Tuesday, but the police did not comply with the order. Justice Hungwe also ruled that the police should allow the detained people access to their lawyers, their relatives and should receive medical treatment at medical facilities of their choice.
However, the High Court also ordered that the continued detention of the 12 was "unlawful" as it was beyond the Statutory 96 hour period. It also ordered the respondents in the case, Minister of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi, Commissioner General of the Police, Augustine Chihuri, the Officer Commanding Homicide, Chief Superintendent Crispen Makedenge and Detective Constable Muuya to abide by the ruling.
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