The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) riot squad attacked and arrested over 60 students at the ZESA National Training Center in Harare this morning.
Riot Police Beats Up And Arrests Over 60 Students
Police randomly raided the students who were holding a Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) General Council Meeting. ZINASU, which has close ties to the opposition politics movement, describes itself as a “non-partisan organisation that mobilises, serves and represents students in all spheres of their interests.”
The students’ body raised the panic alarm at 10 AM this morning on its X account:
“🚨🚨🚨ALERT: RIOT POLICE IS BEATING UP AND ARRESTING STUDENTS RIGHT NOW.”
The menacing riot police rounded up the ZESA students and packed them in a lone truck, even as they were disoriented from the unexpected and violent beatings. Scared onlookers took pictures of the chaos from afar.
ZINASU later shared an update on the police assault and arrest:
“Over 60 students have been beaten, injured and arrested by the riot police at ZESA National Training Centre.”
Human rights watchdog, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), revealed the details of the beatings and arrests:
“SECURITY ALERT!!! A ZINASU General Council meeting has been raided & disrupted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. More than 60 ZINASU students have been arrested by the police. Some of the members have this morning been getting calls from an unknown number inquiring about their status.”
Former CCC deputy spokesperson, a former University of Zimbabwe student leader, criticised the arrest:
“We strongly condemn the unjust arrest of over 50 Zinasu student leaders who were attending their annual conference at the Zesa Training Centre. The regime’s actions are a blatant violation of the students’ rights to freedom of assembly, association, and expression.”
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The ZRP has yet to explain why the riot squad attacked the students.
Security Fears Ahead Of SADC Summit In August
As Zimbabwe is set to host the SADC Summit, there have been fears of protests happening in the country before and during the regional meeting. A Harare Magistrate denied tenderpreneurs Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu bail last week and said their release could stoke public protests.
During a ZANU PF Politburo meeting in June, President Mnangagwa cautioned:
“I am fully aware that certain unruly elements, in collaboration with our detractors, have activated their perennial tendencies of seeking to disturb our security, peace and prevailing tranquil environment. They must be warned that my Government will not brook any form of mischief under whatever pretext.”
The government forewarned that it is ready to clamp down on any unsanctioned actions. Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Ambassador Raphael Faranisi told State media:
“Like for any other international summit, we have adequate security to ensure peace and stability during the SADC summit.”
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