Harare hospital nurses have been arrested to stop a demonstration.
An update released by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said at least twelve Harare nurses were arrested by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
The nurses are currently held at Mbare Police Station in Harare. They are being charged with contravening Section 8 of the Public Health (COVID 19 Prevention, Containment & Treatment Regulations).
ZLHR says the nurses arrested were planning to have a feedback meeting on their current situation. Lawyers from ZLHR are representing the nurses.
Zimbabwe Nurses Association respond to the arrest
The Zimbabwe Nurses Association condemned the arrest and urged nurses to continue with the industrial action.
Nurses and doctors are engaged in a strike demanding better wages from the government. The Zimbabwe Nurses Association has also urged other nurses who have been going to work to join the industrial action.
Savanna News publishes the full response by the Zimbabwe Nurses Association below:
Government announced the interim US$75 Covid-19 allowance for civil servants on June 15. The US$75 Covid-19 allowance was introduced for civil servants and US$35 for pensioners.
This has however not been paid as revealed by the Health Services Board (HSB) chairperson Dr. Paulinus Sikhosana whilst giving oral evidence to Parliament’s portfolio committee on Health and Child Care on Covid-19 pandemic response.
ZCTU condemns arrest of nurses, calls for massive peaceful protests
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) also condemned the arrest of nurses. The labour body called on all workers to prepare for massive peaceful protests.
ZCTU also urged government not to shut out genuine concerns through arrests. ZCTU said,”The arrest of striking nurses shows that ours is a pariah state. Instead of shutting out genuine voices demanding fair labour conditions, the government must shut out poverty. All workers must prepare for massive peaceful protests, we have no time, announcement coming soon.”
Read: Parirenyatwa evicts striking nurses from hospital accommodation