Protest Organisers Say They Are Being Intimidated

Some of the organisers of the July 31 anti-corruption protests on Tuesday said that they were being intimidated by suspected State security agents who are bent on dissuading them from going ahead with the protests.

Former Zanu PF youth leader and Front for Economic Emancipation Zimbabwe (FEEZ) leader Godfrey Tsenengamu said his family was attacked in Bindura but he vowed to soldier on with fighting corruption. He said:

My family has been attacked in Bindura and a report has been made to the police. It is true I am under hostile surveillance, but I am not moved. I am not planning anything sinister and have no reason to run away from anyone.

I have spoken and continue to speak against corruption and looting and will not be forced to stop. Threats, harassment and intimidation will not stop me from exercising my constitutional right.

MDC Alliance deputy chairperson Job Sikhala said he was being followed even before his treason trial in Masvingo in February this year. He said:

The business of trailing me started long before my treason trial. However, it intensified recently. This is done by people who refuse to accept that Zimbabwe belongs to all Zimbabweans, a tiny group of insolent individuals who think they own it and the rest are subjects of abuse.

… Since the false accusations by Kazembe Kazembe (Home Affairs minister) that I am part of coup conspirators, stalking of my person intensified. But I am ready for any consequences. Freedom for all Zimbabweans is a calling. I won’t relent.

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Peter Mutasa said he had his vehicle tyres deflated by a gang claiming to be police officers.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure revealed that armed suspected State security agents besieged the home of his relative in Kuwadzana 2, Harare, at around 2 am on Monday demanding information on his whereabouts.

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