By Patience Maganzo
Harare, Zimbabwe (News Of The South) – For the past two weeks there has been a crackdown on civil society leaders including human rights activists and politicians.
Member of Parliament for Harare West constituency Joana Mamombe (26 years old) was arrested Tiesday afternoon and charged with electoral act violations. She has been released after being granted a $100 bail by the Harare magistrate.
Joanna Mamombe
In March this year, she spent 6 days in prison for allegedly calling citizens to engage in acts of violence during a press conference and was only freed on a $3000 bail. This is because of allegations that she was involved in inciting violence amongst citizens against the government.
These actions against activists and politicians have prompted the United States Embassy in Harare to issue a statement this afternoon. “Harassment and targeted arrests of civil society leaders damages Zimbabwe’s reputation and economic future. We call on the Zimbabwean Government to uphold its constitution, respect rule of law, and foster an environment where all can contribute to the Nation’s progress”.
Women’s rights activists Stabile Dewa and Rita Nyamupanga have been charged with trying to subvert a constitutionally elect Government and are set to appear at the Harare Magistrates Court today. They are being represented by lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).
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