COSATU supports ZCTU call for end to arbitrary arrests and torture of trade unionists and activists in Zimbabwe

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) fully supports the call for the immediate end to the arbitrary arrests and torture of trade union and civil society activists in Zimbabwe. This is in the context of the upcoming 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of States scheduled for the 17 August in Harare.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) indicated that on Wednesday that the General Secretary of the Agricultural Trade Unions of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), Robson Chere and three others were ejected from a plane as they were preparing to leave the Robert Mugabe International Airport destined for Bulawayo, to attend a conference.

Reports further indicate that he was arrested and heavily tortured with gruesome photos of him in a very bad state, circulating on social media. This is completely unacceptable and should never be tolerated.

COSATU emphasises the point made by our sister federation, ZCTU for a transparent investigation and to hold those responsible to account, with serious consequences.

Finally, COSATU calls on SADC heads of States to take seriously the conditions facing workers and the people of the region and commit to building a truly democratic and inclusive SADC based on the aspirations of the people of this region.

We shall remain seized with the situation and call on the government of Zimbabwe to respond to the calls for action on this matter.

Issued by COSATU

For more information contact:

Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson on 079 287 5788

Or

Bongani Masuku, COSATU International Secretary on 079 499 6419

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