WOZA News Update

ISO Zimbabwe
WOZA NEWS UPDATE - 14th FEBRUARY 2006
Contrary to early estimates, 181 WOZA women and male
members were arrested yesterday along with 14 babies.
They were held at Bulawayo Central and due to flooded
cells, the group were kept in a cage outside in the
courtyard with only standing room until 10.30pm in
heavy rain. Three women, Jenni Williams, Magodonga
Mahlangu and Emily Mpofu, were taken aside,
fingerprinted, made to give statements, despite their
protestations that they wanted their lawyer present,
and charged under Section 24 of the Public Order and
Security Act (POSA). The three women were taken to
court in the late morning where the prosecutor refused
to allow them to appear before court, instructing the
police to release them and proceed by way of summons.
The other 177 women and men, including babies, are
still being held at Bulawayo Central out in the open.
Lawyers are trying to secure their release.

Early reports also suggest that a WOZA march in
Harare, which took place at lunchtime today, continued
for several blocks before being broken up by police
and arrests were made. At least seven vehicles were
used to transport those arrested and a lawyer
attending at the scene was handcuffed. Lawyers are in
attendance.

Further details will be given as soon as they become
available.