Anti-Mugabe alliance presses ahead with protests

30 August 2016 - 10:02 By Nhlalo Ndaba

Two Zimbabwean anti-government activists who were among scores of people detained in Harare on Friday have been remanded in custody for two weeks. Tajamuka-Sesijikisile movement spokesman Promise Mkwananzi and his colleague Bruce Nyamasviso are scheduled to appear for trial on September 12.The movement and its allies have vowed to press ahead with plans for weekly demonstrations against the government.On Friday about 70 people were arrested in the capital city when police stopped a protest march in support of electoral reforms, causing some protesters to turn violent. The arrested demonstrators were taken to court the following day and were denied bail yesterday.Mkwananzi was detained when he reported to the Harare Central police station in compliance with his bail conditions following a June 7 court appearance in connection with a stayaway he allegedly organised with Pastor Evan Mawarire of #ThisFlag, a social movement that has galvanised protests against President Robert Mugabe's government. Mawarire is currently in the US.In denying bail for Mkwananzi and Nyamasviso, Harare Magistrate Tendai Mahwe said the two faced serious charges of allegedly beating up police officers and burning vehicles. More protesters were arrested outside the Harare Magistrate's Court for displaying anti-government placards.Stan Zvorwadza, the leader of National Vendors' Union of Zimbabwe, told journalists yesterday the protesters were optimistic their voice would finally be heard when #Shutdown3.0, scheduled for tomorrow, goes ahead.A representative of Tajamuka said: ''Every week there will be serious action," adding that he hoped by December Mugabe would have stepped down. The 92-year-old leader has pledged to stand for re-election in 2018.On Sunday Zanu-PF Youth declared war on the protesters during their own march in Harare...

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