Tendai Biti visits incarcerated activists

PDP President Tendai Biti today visited 11 human rights activists that are in remand prison at Harare Central Prison and Chikurubi Women's Prison facing charges of robbing two women in central Harare.

The 11 were part of 15 human rights defenders who were arrested last week in central Harare on charges of robbing two women.

They were part of hundreds youths who had camped at the Africa Unity Square for a 16-day vigil against Robert Mugabe's dictatorship and misrule of the economy.

Among those he visited today are; Linda Masarira, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Pride Mkono, Pamela Mawire and Makomborero Haruzivishe, Irene Takavada, Shadreck Dhliwayo and Brian Kansunzuma.

However, the activists complained about the lack of food as the prison officials were denying visitors to bring them food from outside the prison complex citing health reasons.

The food and other drinks sold in prison, President Biti was told was going for that a two litre plastic bottle of Coke, which is sold outside for $1, 20 is going for $4 while a one litre bottle of water, which is sold for $0.75 in supermarkets is going for $1,50.

These astronomical prices, the activists said, were forcing most of the inmates to go hungry most of the times as prison food was inadequate and poorly prepared.

The activists, however, told Biti that despite the unlawful arrests and unfavourable living conditions, they were determined to see that the evil Zanu-PF was brought to an end.

Biti urged the activists to remain focused and strong despite the attempts by Zanu-PF to use state machinery to clamp down on opposition forces.

He said he was working hard in ensuring that they were released from remand prison as a matter of urgency.

Biti was accompanied by the PDP secretary for international relations Willias Madzimure.