Harare- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Monday arrested 9 members of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ).

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) Spokesperson Tabani Moyo confirmed the arrests saying the teachers had been staging a peaceful demonstration and were detained at Harare Central Police station.

“The teachers were arrested following a peaceful demonstration against poor remuneration as well as poor working conditions. They are currently detained at Harare Central police station and no charges have been preferred against them” Moyo said

He said CiZC was concerned with government’s action in which they are failing to deal with workers grievances.

“Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition notes with concern that the government, instead of addressing the concerns of its workers, has turned brutal against suffering civil servants and the ordinary citizens. Such a militant approach can only serve to worsen the situation in the country

“Zimbabwe’s constitution guarantees the right to demonstrate peacefully and as CIZC we are disturbed by the flagrant violation of workers’ rights by the government” he said

Briggs Bomba convener of social movement the Citizens Manifesto has implored the government to recognise the current economic situation.

“Furthermore, Citizens’ Manifesto calls on the Goverment to recognize the Economic Emergency situation in the country and immediately commence an Inclusive All Stakeholders National Dialogue to work out a solution that works for all. The country risks plunging into total chaos if the government continues to ignore the unbearable pain and suffering faced by the majority of citizens” said Bomba

Meanwhile, the nine have since been released and are continuing with their protests dubbed the “Caravan camp”