Teachers from the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) who were arrested on Friday by police in Macheke have been released. The striking teachers were arrested for criminal nuisance as they proceeded with their march from Mutare to Harare.
The rural teachers are protesting against poor working conditions and low pay. They intend to picket at the offices of the Ministry of Finance when they reach their destination. In an interview with ZimEye, ARTUZ president had this to say
Our case was not even heard because the prosecutors realised that the charges were not fit to be heard before a court.
We were getting ready to continue with our protest but we have encountered another challenge where the District Police boss identified as one Superintendent Nenguwo has unleashed riot police on us with the instruction to beat us.
There are two police trucks full of baton stick-wielding officers who have told us that they are ready to deal with us if we proceed with the march.
Our lawyers are currently engaging them. We hope that there will be a consensus because we are ready to finish the last leg of our protest hoping that government will address our concerns.
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