ZCTU Demands Masaraure's Immediate And Unconditional Release

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Obert Masaraure, the president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) who was arrested Tuesday in connection with the death of his friend Roy Issa. Roy Issa allegedly fell from the seventh floor of a Harare Hotel sometime in 2016 while drinking with friends, including Masaraure. Masaraure was arrested when he had gone to fulfil his routine bail conditions for another charge at the Harare Central Police Station, which is still pending before the courts. Masaraure is yet to appear in court. Pindula News presents a statement issued by the ZCTU:

SUBJECT: ZCTU DEMANDS RELEASE OF ARTUZ PRESIDENT AND END TO VIOLENCE

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has learnt with dismay of the arrest of Comrade Obert Masaraure, the President of its affiliate union the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ).

Reports indicate that he was arrested in connection with the death of an AR TUC member that happened in 2016 After the death of the ARTUZ member the magistrate court ruled out foul play following an Inquest Shockingly after slit years, the police arrested Comrade Masaraure over the case that he was never implicated on.

The ZCTU views this as a clear effort by the State to silence Comrade Masaraure who has been very vocal against human rights violations as well as his push for better working conditions for teachers It is a fact that teachers are now incapacitated and can no longer render services because they are getting pittance as pay The current salaries have reduced teachers to paupers and the once noble profession has been reduced to a joke

Over the past years, comrade Masaraure has been a victim of numerous arrests on flimsy reasons In 2019 he was abducted from his home by seven masked and armed men who tortured and left him for dead.

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The ZCTU strongly condemns this premeditated arrest that is meant to incite fear in trade unionists and the general public It is such behaviour which earns Zimbabwe a pariah state tag. We demand his immediate and unconditional release.

MEANWHILE, we also note with serious concern and alarm the resurgence of violence in the country In particular, the recent barbaric abduction and mutilation of Moseblessing Ali and the subsequent violence that followed upon her being found dead has sent shock waves across the country.

The ZCTU condemns any violence, be it inter-party intra-party or Gender-Based Violence As the country prepares for the 2023 elections these NAZI-style disappearances and abductions, as well as violence, are rearing their ugly heads again We demand a thorough investigation on the latest abduction of Moreblessing Ali and those found guilty must be punished We also demand an environment conducive for freedom of association and assembly where every Zimbabwean can discharge his or her duties without fear of being arrested, tortured or abducted

Japhet Moyo SECRETARY-GENERAL

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