RTUZ leader charged for allegedly organising illegal gathering

By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |

Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (RTUZ) president, Obert Masaraure will appear at the Murewa magistrates’ court on Friday for allegedly convening a gathering without notifying the police as required under the oppressive Public Order and Security Act (POSA).

Meanwhile a case involving Pride Mkono, the RTUZ programme officer and human rights activists Mehluli Dube and Makomborero Haruzivishe has been postponed to Friday at the Mbare magistrates’ court.

They are being charged for inciting violence during civil protests but were initially accused of obstructing the course of justice.

Prosecution is opposing their bail, arguing that they have other pending cases and suggested that they be remanded to 15 September.

“RTUZ is deeply concerned with the on-going incarceration of Mkono and Gift Ostallos Siziba on trumped up charges by the State,” said the teachers’ organisation in a statement on Thursday.

The activists were arrested last week during demonstrations, with Siziba originally being reported abducted.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) tracked him to Harare Central police station and he has been in custody since then.

“It is time that the nation stands up against the tyranny and misrule of the sitting government. People should not continue to be violated for standing up for their rights.

“As a way forward, RTUZ is now mobilising all its members and (the) broader teaching community to turn the heat on this out-of-sorts governing regime,” said RTUZ. Nehanda Radio