Police arrest 30 Bulawayo protestors

POLICE yesterday arrested at least 30 Bulawayo youths protesting against grinding poverty and joblessness they blamed on President Robert Mugabe's government.

The youths were arrested after they had gathered at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex, where they intended to deliver a petition to Bulawayo Provincial Affairs minister Eunice Sandi Moyo.

They were taken to Drill Hall Police Station opposite Mhlahlandlela Government Complex.

The anti-government protest march was organised by a local pressure group, Bulawayo Youths Arise (Buya).

The youths were demanding the resignation of Mugabe and his administration to pave way for fresh elections and usher in a new government that will better the lives of hard-pressed Zimbabweans.

Mthokozisi Ncube, the Buya co-ordinator, said the "struggle has begun" and vowed the pressure group will roll out more anti-government street protests.

"The struggle has begun, there is no turning back now. We have had enough of this suffering and we demand a better life," he said.
"We will be rolling many more street protests until the government listens to our grievances."

The march, however, did not attract a massive turnout of Bulawayo residents as earlier anticipated, but Ncube said they were not deterred.

"We are moving ahead. Our message was heard by the people and we were heartened by whistles and cheers in a show of support to this cause," he said.

Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Precious Simango could not be reached for comment.

The protesters were reportedly later released without charge.

A number of anti-government protesters have been nabbed over the past weeks, with the majority later released without charge.