Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporter
Police in Madlambuzi, Bulilima district in Matabeleland South recently swooped in on a group of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists who organised an illegal meeting, arresting 10 people, according to a police statement.
The police statement confirmed the arrest of the 10 individuals, stating that they were taken into custody for violating public gathering laws.
“Police in Madlambuzi, Bulilima district, Matabeleland South, arrested 10 individuals for contravening Section 24 of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), Chapter 11:17, by holding an illegal meeting without prior authorization.
“The group, consisting of members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, was gathered in Madlambuzi when police officers intervened to disperse the crowd and effect arrests.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will appear in court soon. We urge members of the public to respect the law and follow proper procedures when organizing public gatherings to avoid unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement,” reads the statement.
However, party members have disputed the police account, revealing that six of those taken were children.
“We are still trying to locate our colleagues, but it’s like they vanished into thin air,” said a CCC party member, who wished to remain anonymous. “We are not even sure if they were arrested by the police because the people who took them were wearing civilian clothes.”
Another party member added, “We have tried contacting the local police station, but they do not have a record of their arrest. It’s like they were abducted.”
As the situation unfolds, concerns are being raised about the whereabouts and safety of the missing activists. The CCC party has called for transparency and accountability from the authorities, demanding to know the fate of their colleagues.
