We have just learned of the arrest of four senior trade unionists; Wellington Chibebe, General Secretary ZCTU, Ms. Lucia Matibenga, President of SATUCC, T. Nkondo ZCTU Organiser and Sam Matchinda, Chair-ZCTU Regional committee, Central Region. We understand that they were arrested at about 10.00 AM at a workshop in Gweru. We also understand that the ZCTU leaders were seeking a mandate from their members on issues to be discussed at a tripartite meeting.

It is ironic that the ZCTU should be prevented from consulting with its constituency on matters they seek to discuss with other social partners, including the government itself. In many countries this is not only normal but is encouraged as a health industrial relations practice to ensure industrial peace and stability.

On behalf of the 15 millions members, organised workers in Africa under the ICFTU African Regional Organisation, we strongly protest against such attacks on freedom of association to which your government is committed to respect and appeal to you to ensure that those arrested are released without charges.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Kailembo

General Secretary