Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has raised alarm over the safety of pro-democracy activist, Obert Masaraure, the president of Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) after his house was reportedly surrounded by unknown vehicles.
In an X post, ZLHR stated that they had received distress calls about the situation, sparking concerns for the well-being of Masaraure and his family.
“We have recieved distress calls that @OMasaraure’s house is surrounded by vehicles,” the post reads.
“We remain concerned about the safety of him + his family & urge state actors to follow the Constitution, the CPEA in their interaction with citizens & pro-democracy activists.”
The incident has sparked fears of harassment and intimidation against Masaraure, who has been vocal in his advocacy for democratic rights in Zimbabwe.
Despite efforts to obtain a statement from Masaraure himself about the development, this publication was unable to reach him directly as his phone was unreachable.
Commenting on the development, agrieved outspoken award winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono alleged: “Crooked Emmerson is at it again. His secret service thugs have surrounded the home of teacher’s union leader Obert Masaraure, according to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
“His colleague and secretary general of ARTIZ, Robeson Chero, was pulled from a plane last week and severely tortured by Crooked Emmerson’s secret service thugs at Robert Mugabe International Airport.
“Doctors have said the torture injuries might lead to permanent kidney damage,” Chin’ono said.
“Crooked Emmerson is on a rampage, ordering the arrests of political activists, opposition members, and civil society leaders,” he added.
Meanwhile, today, ARTUZ National Secretary-General Robson Chere will appear in Rotten Row court for a bail hearing after being abducted at Harare Airport, brutally tortured, and handed to police.
“These charges are completely baseless!”, ARTUZ posted on their X account.
“We must all show up in solidarity with our resolute Secretary General. This is an attack on the labor movement – we won’t let them silence us!,” they added.
