Online Reporter
Derrick Khumalo
POLICE in Bulawayo are looking for several people following an alleged illegal meeting at Famona which reportedly turned violent after participants resisted arrest and attacked police officers.
The meeting, which was allegedly convened by the Sexual Rights Centre, was reportedly declared illegal by authorities, resulting in police moving in to stop the gathering.
According to police, officers attempted to arrest some of the participants following the meeting, but the suspects resisted arrest and allegedly attacked the law enforcement agents.
The confrontation subsequently prompted the deployment of riot police to the area to restore order.
Several of those that attended the meeting were arrested and taken into custody, these including Mcasiseli Nala, Stanley Ncube, Tapiwa Zhou, Linda Mlotshwa and Annah Moyo
However, the police are still seeking some of the members who reportedly escaped during the fracas, these including Gracious Moyo, Thembani Siziba, Learnmore Masuku, Doreen Ndiweni and Liberty Ncube.
Police said the list was not yet exhaustive, as investigations were continuing and more names would be released once authorities had obtained a full list of people who attended the meeting.
The circumstances surrounding the meeting and the exact nature of the allegations against each of the individuals being sought were not immediately clear.
Police have, however, urged those being sought to report to the nearest police station as investigations into the incident continue.
The alleged confrontation comes amid heightened police attention to gatherings which authorities consider to be unauthorised, with police maintaining that organisers and participants are required to comply with the law governing public meetings.
Further details are expected as police continue with investigations and identify other people who allegedly attended the meeting.
