Press statement
Masvingo today witnessed a bizarre incident as two trucks full of members of the Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) crushed and assaulted Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) activists who took to the streets to mark 4 years after the June 2008 reign of terror.
The police backtracked after authorising the peaceful march and arrested 13 members in a process that was jointly organised with Youth of Zimbabwe for Transparency and Progress.
Thirteen youth activist were arrested during the peaceful march. Danmore Chuma, Musora Jadhisons , Mushava Blessing, Alois Mugunzva, Tichaona Chatiza, Ignatious Makota, Sandra Maoneke, Shamiso Mushava and the other five youth activist are still to be identified.
COTRAD would therefore want to make it clear that it is the primary responsibility of the government to take care of the victims of political violence.
In addition there has been the resurgence of youth militia bases in some parts of Masvingo province in a more disturbing fashion as the country is addressing outstanding issues that can lead to genuine reforms ahead of the referendum and possible general elections.
The youth from Masvingo province will continue to play a vanguard role in making sure that genuine reforms are ushered in a proper democratic transition that can lead to democratic free and fair elections in which COTRAD is expecting a cultivated huge youth turn out. Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD)
