State security agents disrupt Artuz membership meeting in Tsholotsho

State security agents have allegedly disrupted an Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) membership meeting in Tsholotsho, reportedly torturing some activists while demanding information on the whereabouts of union president Obert Masaraure.


The incident was revealed in a notice issued by the union to its members and the nation.

“Suspected State agents, in the company of confirmed members of the police, disrupted our membership meeting at Tsholotsho Business Centre,” the union said.

“The rogue characters tortured our leaders Cde Vusa and Cde Hudson. Our leaders were pressed to reveal the whereabouts of President Obert Masaraure. The President is reportedly being hunted down by State agents in Tsholotsho.”

ARTUZ said it condemns the “barbarism” and is assisting affected members to press charges against the identified perpetrators.

According to the union, Masaraure avoided the alleged assault only because he had been reassigned to another programme at the last minute.

Since the gazetting of Constitutional Amendment No. 3, there has been a reported increase in crackdowns on opposition activists and members of organisations challenging the proposed changes, which include extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030.

Recently, National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader Lovemore Madhuku and members of his organisation were reportedly tortured by security agents and left nursing injuries.