The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has demanded the immediate release of high school teacher Ronald Hondongwa and 65 other individuals who were arrested on June 16, 2024, while commemorating the Day of the African Child in Harare.
Hondongwa and 77 others were initially charged with public violence and gathering without police clearance.
The charge of gathering without police clearance has since been dismissed by the courts, but only 12 of those arrested have been released so far.
Hondongwa and 65 others are now accused of throwing stones at the police officers who arrested them.
However, ARTUZ said Hondongwa has a disability and is physically incapable of even holding a spoon, let alone throwing stones.
Furthermore, state witnesses have acknowledged this fact, but state prosecutors continue to insist that Hondongwa threw stones. Said ARTUZ:
<blockquote>
Cde Hondongwa is an ICT teacher, and evidence to that effect was presented in Court by lawyers and accepted by the State. He is teaching forms 3 and 4 at Zengeza 4 High School.
The learners are being denied their right to education as their teacher remains caged facing spurious charges. The Form 4 class sits for public examinations and is definitely going to be prejudiced.
Hondongwa’s wife Phillis Pikitai was at some point arrested and spent days in detention after raising a placard demanding the release of her husband.
It is not proper to leave the burden of fighting for justice to the hands of the spouses of the persecuted.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ says it is the collective responsibility of all citizens worldwide to push back against injustice wherever it may occur.
The organisation has called on people around the globe to join their demand for the immediate release of Hondongwa and the other 65 individuals who remain detained.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

A teacher in Zimbabwe named Ronald Hondongwa was arrested for throwing stones at police officers, but he is physically unable to do so because of a disability. He was initially charged with being part of a violent group without police permission, but that charge was dropped. Even though witnesses say he cannot throw stones, he is still being accused. His students are suffering because he is not able to teach them. His wife was also arrested for protesting his detention. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe is asking people to help get Hondongwa and the others released.

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