Zimbabwean police on Monday arrested dozens of women as they staged a demonstration in south-western Zimbabwe, a statement said.
The women, all members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (Woza) had ”tried to gather to hold a march in a small administrative centre in Insiza district but were arrested”, the group said.
”Those not arrested then marched to the police station to hand themselves in, in solidarity,” it added.
Monday’s demonstration was intended to launch Woza’s proposals for a better Zimbabwe, dubbed the People’s Charter
The charter calls for racial and political tolerance, the repeal of unjust laws and equal access to land, education and housing.
The exact number of people arrested on Monday was still unclear, but it could be more than 100, said Woza. Police have not yet confirmed the arrests.
Woza frequently holds demonstrations against the deteriorating social and economic situation in Zimbabwe, where inflation is more than 3 714% and where there are acute shortages of power, fuel and food.
The people of Insiza were widely consulted on their vision of a new Zimbabwe and endorsed the People’s Charter fully, said Woza. ‒ Sapa-DPA