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THE African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of ZCTU president Lovemore Matombo and two staff members, Michael Kandukutu and Percy Mcijo on November 8 while on a nationwide tour to meet ZCTU local structures. According to our information, the three colleagues were arrested in Victoria Falls, the first stop of their countrywide tour, while Matombo was addressing members of the ZCTU Victoria Falls […]
THE African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of ZCTU president Lovemore Matombo and two staff members, Michael Kandukutu and Percy Mcijo on November 8 while on a nationwide tour to meet ZCTU local structures. According to our information, the three colleagues were arrested in Victoria Falls, the first stop of their countrywide tour, while Matombo was addressing members of the ZCTU Victoria Falls district.
They are reported to have been later transferred to Hwange Police Station.
The three colleagues were carrying out legitimate trade union activity, which is protected under ILO Convention 87 on freedom of association and protection of the right to organise. Given that the government of Zimbabwe has ratified this convention, it is under an obligation to uphold it and refrain from any acts of interference in trade union affairs.
ITUC-Africa has also been informed about the attack on the family of Gertrude Hambira, general-secretary of Gapwuz and a council member of ZCTU, on November 3. Although the reason behind this attack is not yet clear, the government is obliged to ensure the safety of all citizens including trade unionists.
Kwasi Adu Amankwah,ITUC-Africa General Secretary.
