http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=6&art_id=nw20080623152321253C368915

Samwu ‘outraged’ by Zim violence

June 23 2008

The SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) expressed outrage on Monday over levels of violence in Zimbabwe related to the country’s presidential run-off.

The union said the withdrawal of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) from the run-off elections was the latest indication of the “impact of brutality”.

It said that over 80 MDC supporters had been murdered while others had been tortured.

“The police and the army have, at best, stood idly by while the most barbaric acts of brutality have taken place, and at worst have joined in these wholly illegal acts.

“Women in particular have been subjected to the most appalling treatment and remain the invisible victims of this murderous behaviour,” said the union.

While Zimbabwe’s economy was in a meltdown, the political and economic elite were enjoying an “unprecedented accumulation of wealth and power”.

“This union expresses its grave disappointment at the role played by President Thabo Mbeki. His insistence on maintaining a failed “quiet diplomacy” has failed to protect the democratic rights of the majority, but has provided a golden opportunity for the Mugabe regime to unleash a reign of terror that has sent millions into political and economic exile.”

Samwu was concerned about trade unionists and political leaders who had been detained on “trumped up” charges and denied their basic rights while in custody.

It demanded that the outcome of the first round of elections be recognised and that the MDC be placed in power and that those who had been detained be released.

Samwu Gauteng members were expected to convene a rally on Wednesday at the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Newtown, where a “giant” memorandum in aid of democratic rights in Zimbabwe would be signed. – Sapa