KARIBA – Kariba MP John Houghton and 12 others were arrested in the resort town on Wednesday for staging a peaceful demonstration against the continued incarceration of CCC faction leader Jameson Timba and 77 other party activists.

Former CCC MP Ostallos Siziba confirmed the arrest of the group.

Siziba said “13 activists including Honourable John Houghton, former Mayor George Masendu, Farai Mageva and others have been arrested for peacefully protesting with placards demanding the release of Honourable Timba and others”.

“They are currently detained at Kariba Police Headquarters. This is Zimbabwe under Mnangagwa. The constitution has been suspended! The fight is on. Homeland or death!” Siziba said.

Timba and the CCC activists were arrested on 16 June 2024 accused of taking part in what police said was an illegal gathering. They were commemorating the Day of the African Child.

The arrest of the CCC activists in Kariba on Wednesday comes amid a renewed clampdown on government critics by the state as the Zanu PF led government pulls all the stops to stave off protests, especially ahead of the SADC summit August 17.

On Wednesday, four human rights activists were ejected from a departing plane by security agents who accused them of having taken part in a demonstration against the continued detention of Timba and the activists, now commonly referred to as the Avondale 78.

The activists, who include Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi and Vusumuzi Moyo were few moments away from departure when they were removed from the plane and walked on the tarmac.

According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the rights defenders “were incommunicado detention for at least 8 hours” with ARTUZ secretary general Robson Chere reportedly severely tortured.

“Robson was visibly tortured and in severe pain. They have been advised that their charge is disorderly conduct,” said ZLHR.

“The allegations are they participated in a demonstration at Rotten Row when Jameson Timba and others appeared at court. They are spending the night at Harare Central police station. At RGM Airport, they were held incommunicado by state agents.”

ZLHR director Roselyn Hanzi condemned the torture of the rights defender.

“The practice of torture is barbaric, archaic. Torture is a crime against humanity. It is a jus cogen norm.

“Torture is regarded as part of customary international law and all states are bound by customary international law. It is very sad that Robson Chere was severely tortured during his incommunicado detention of about 8 hours.”

The clampdown on government critics by the state also follows a raid and disruption of a ZINASU meeting which had been attended by over 60 anti-riot police in Harare last week.