The continuous arrests of Zimbabwean opposition activists have sparked an uproar, with critics suggesting the SADC Summit be moved.
Zimbabwe will host the summit, attended by heads of state from 16 countries and other dignitaries, on August 17.
Arrests
On Friday, the police arrested prominent opposition activist Jacob Ngarivhume at his Harare residence, accusing him of plotting demonstrations.
They also arrested prominent cleric Kevin Nyamakanga over the same allegations, increasing tensions.
Earlier, the police arrested Zimbabwe National Students Union leader Emmanuel Sitima for skipping court, worsening the situation.
Four rights defenders were dragged from a plane on Wednesday before being charged with disorderly conduct, causing outrage.
Other activists were arrested in Kariba, Mutare, Bulawayo, and Gokwe, and none has been released yet.
Arrests Condemned
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum condemned the arrests, calling it a serious violation of human rights.
“The Forum is gravely concerned with the deteriorating human rights situation ahead of the 44th SADC summit,” said the Forum.
The intensification of the crackdown on opposition supporters, civil society, and dissenting voices is unacceptable, they added.
The escalation in violence and targeted attacks raise fears of a repeat of the 2018 and 2019 human rights violations, they said.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights condemned the practice of torture as barbaric and a crime against humanity.
“Torture is a jus cogens norm, part of customary international law, binding on all states,” said ZLHR director Roselyn Hanzi.
Reports suggest intentions to arrest opposition leader Job Sikhala, further increasing concerns among activists and citizens.
Calls to Move Summit
South Africa’s Democratic Alliance party called for the summit to be moved to another country, highlighting regional concerns.
Government critic Hopewell Chin’ono said Zimbabweans deserve a clean, safe space free from such repressive actions.
“This is what the criminal cabal of Emmerson Mnangagwa does to citizens in civil society, the opposition, and the media,” he said.
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe warned that the police will arrest anyone attempting to disrupt the upcoming summit.
