Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare – 20 June 2025 — Twelve members linked to the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) who were arrested in Sakubva on Tuesday appeared at Mutare Magistrates Court yesterday facing charges of participating in an illegal gathering with intent to promote public violence.
The group appeared before Magistrate Annie Ndiraya in Court B. The State, led by Prosecutor Ms. Tinotenda Muzondo, opposed bail citing fears that the accused might abscond, interfere with witnesses, or commit similar offences.
The accused, who include Ruth Swuedi (40), Chirombo Albert (38), Nigel Makureya (28), Mavhenyengwa Elton (21), Nyashadzashae Mangume (33), and others ranging in age from 18 to 48, are being charged under Section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
According to the police’s request for remand, the accused allegedly gathered near the Sakubva OTS Moslem Church on 16 June at around 11:00 am, chanting ARTUZ slogans and singing protest songs such as “Ndikafunga Peyiyangu” and “Jambanja Paroad.” Authorities claim the demonstration disturbed public order and instilled fear among residents.
The police allege the individuals acted in concert and were hired to incite public disorder. The investigating officer, Detective Assistant Inspector Ngwende, argued in court documents that some of the accused were not registered teachers and might be “mercenaries” mobilised to provoke unrest. Police also claimed a nursing mother is among the detained, raising concern from human rights activists.
Before court proceedings began, The Wasu Post spoke with ARTUZ Secretary General Robson Chere, who confirmed the arrested individuals were union affiliates.
“They are members of our PTA. They are appearing in court this morning,” Chere said.
On 18 June, ARTUZ released a statement condemning the arrests, calling them “a senseless crackdown” on peaceful demonstrators who had submitted a petition to the Public Service Commission in Mutare. The union insists that the protest was legal and falls within the constitutional right to demonstrate and petition under Section 59.
“Among the arrested is a nursing mother whose child will forever be traumatized by this barbarism,” ARTUZ stated. The union pledged to engage the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the International Labour Organization over what they termed “a gross abuse of workers’ rights.”
The accused are being represented by human rights lawyers Peggy Tavagadza of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Chris Ndlovu of Gonese Ndlovu Legal Practitioners
The bail hearing is scheduled for today, 20 June, at 10:00 am.