Right - we need to act now! South Africa about to do the unthinkable
How much bad press does one government want?
I lightheartedly posted a blog about Simon “Dreadman” Mudekwa and his fellow protestors being arrested, thinking their right to protest would be upheld in a country like South Africa and that it wouldn’t be long before they were out and about.
But after the arrests resulting from a protest outside the Chinese embassy in South Africa, I was alerted to this via 702:
Zimbabwean exiles to be deported after illegal protest
Pretoria police say over a hundred of the Zimbabwean exiles arrested during an illegal protest outside the Chinese embassy today will be deported.
Officials say only 18 of those taken into custody are allowed to be in the country and they’ll face charges of gathering illegally.
The group had been holding a demonstration outside the embassy in Pretoria today.
The protesters were calling on China to stop supplying arms to President Robert Mugabe’s regime and to recall its soldiers stationed in their country.
The police’s Malusi Mashiane says a total of 129 people were arrested after they refused to heed a warning to disperse.
It is incredible to me - shocking - that South Africa would send people who protest against the Zanu PF regime, back to a country where people who protest against the regime are currently being beaten and tortured and killed as we speak.
I don’t know if Simon “Dreadman” Mudekwa is one of the ‘lucky’ eighteen in the Zimbabwe Revolutionary Youth Movement facing no more than a charge of gathering illegally, or if he is among those who will actually be facing a severe bashing, arrests, denial of legal representation etc.
I’m sorry to be macarbe about this, but could it possibly be that some of you who tried to call him today may just be viewing his bloodied pictures on this blog next week? His is a name to an identity; in fact, lets not forget that there are lots more whose names we do not have yet who will be facing horrors like that.
Please do what you can to stop this.
Go to our action database, check for relevant contacts, if they are missing help us to find more and submit them here via our form for us to include on the database so they are easily available for everyone else to get on board.
- Email Thabo Mbeki
- Contact relevant government departments in your country and ask them to use their influence with the South African government fast
- Lobby the South Africa embassies in your countries hard
- I suggest that one way to help these guys is to bring the world’s press attention back on the South African government’s incredible denial of the reality in our country.
It’s in the South African media already, but can you find contacts for the right reporters in your area - people who write about Africa and the Zimbabwean issue - and email them and alert them to what’s up. Please, submit those names and contacts back to the database so Zimbabweans have access to them in the future or now as well.
- Alert others and get them involved too
I believe - but really, I’m not sure - that we do not have time on our side: the person who relayed this info to me said he had heard the deportees were going to be in Beitbridge tomorrow.
Reverend, it would be great if you could confirm what’s going on and check back here and keep us all updated?
Update ~ 45mins later:
In my anxiety, I tried to find more info and have been advised it is highly unlikely these guys will be at Beitbridge tomorrow. It’s not the normal way of doing things, apparently.
I was told the normal process is they will get taken to Lindela where their papers are processed, and then they will get put on train to Musina with lot of other people. The person said they hoped that this would diminish some of the risk to them because they can “disappear into a mob”.
After that I am told they would usually get bussed to Musina to Beitbridge. I don’t know what the timescale is in practice but Lindela has a bad reputation and no one wants to be there for too long (this is an article we wrote in 2005)!
Once accross the border people being deported are usually taken to Beitbridge police station. The person said the police station is understaffed and has no pens or paper to take names. What usually happens is they get a talking to and told not to do it again, and then they are released.
Most just go straight back under the fence again. That’s for ‘normal’ deportees.
These guys have been very vocal against the regime for a while, so we don’t know what rules will apply to them.
I asked if I’d been wrong to give an alert so quickly and the response was - absolutely not. We must act because they are in real danger if the CIO type guys get hold of them when they are in Zimbabwe.
April 25th, 2008 18:18
i have known idiots in my life but thabo mbeki and mugabe are at per miles ahead of everyone on earth
April 25th, 2008 18:21
I have just seen this and I was quickly thinking who I could contact.
I think the Anglican church - they have a prayer day on Sunday. Reverend if you can give us more details or the critical details then we can start forwarding to church leaders.
I’ll keep thinking.
The British embassy in China on a fyi basis I think. The big British delegation is there.
The East African Lawyers.
OK they pick Friday night, sigh. The flip side it is weekend and we can make time.
SATAWU!!! Can they be prevailed upon to refuse to ship Zimbabweans back to Zimbabwe?????
April 25th, 2008 18:35
Ok lets email Bishop Rubin Phillips he seems to know the law well in SA see if he can help here look up Bishop Natal it a matter of finding a loop hole in the law again I recon I tried to email him to thank him but my computer is not set up for such thing so can one of you guys do it? Otherwise if these guyg have no legal representation then we got to get them a lawyer and fast……..the law seems to work in SA if nothing else………..
April 25th, 2008 18:42
E-mail appeals to Vuyo Mbuli & Leanne Mannas, presenters of Morning Live - SABC 2 at morninglive@sabc.co.za
South Africans, anybody know anything legal or in Charter of Human Rights that may help?
Go to South African Anglican Church website and leave message on website:
http://www.anglicanchurchsa.org/view.asp?pg=contact
April 25th, 2008 18:51
Please check the post again - I’ve just added an update.
Hope
April 25th, 2008 19:20
I’ve added SALC to the contacts database.
United Nations Commissioner for Refugees - this of clear case of breaching international humanitarian code? United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Case Postale 2500
CH-1211 Genève 2 Dépôt
Suisse.
Tel: +41 22 739 8111
Amnesty International South Africa info@amnesty.org.za
‘Passop’, Bran Hanekom organises this in Cape Town are active for exiles with the new archbishop there as well.
Zimbabwe Exiles Forum, Zim’s Crisis Coalition people in SA?
April 25th, 2008 19:25
I sent off an email to the Anglican church to start an outcry. Hopefully it works.
Who actually decides that they should deported? Maybe we have to send emails to these institutions. Any addresses available?
April 25th, 2008 20:25
Do we have Lawyers for Human Rights on the database - I can’t see them under “organisations”. Will do a form. Meanwhile, here’s how to contact them in Pretoria:
lhr@lhr.org.za
Kutlwanong Democracy Centre, 357 Visagie Street, PRETORIA
+2712 320 2943 phone
+2712 320 2949 fax
I’m going to try n phone them. Will post if can get any useful advice
April 25th, 2008 21:02
I have contacted the BBC and CNN and asked them to publicise this story widely in the hope of embarrassing the SA govt, if that’s possible!
Really hope it gets splashed across screens worldwide to end this govt’s ’softly, softly’ approach towards a man who is a disgrace to the African continent and its people.
Our SABC news tonight did not mention it, they probably fear a local outcry, so thanks for mentioning it Sokwanele. Think this story should be given to other TV news networks worldwide due to urgency.
April 25th, 2008 21:03
The UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) has an office in Pretoria. (Thanks BM and check this out..)
‘The work of the UNHCR is humanitarian and non-political. Its principal functions are to provide international protection to refugees, seek durable solutions to their plight and furnish them with material assistance. Protection involves preventing refoulement, (i.e the forcible return of the refugee to a country where he may have reason to fear persecution).’!!!!!!!
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
OFFICE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Street: Metropark Building, 8th Floor, 351 Schoeman Street, Pretoria
Postal: PO Box 12506, Tramshed 0126
tel: 27 12 338 5301
fax: 27 12 322 0216/0221
unhcrsa@unhcr.ch
April 25th, 2008 21:07
Meant to add: with the long weekend coming up many organisations and offices may be closed until Tuesday, so the media looks the best option to try and stop the deportations.
Apologies, it was mentioned on the SABC news at 7pm but only mentioned that the protesters were arrested, no mention of deportation.
April 25th, 2008 21:35
Yippee! We are probably on the UN Security Council agenda on Tuesday and South Africa is not contesting - shrugging and saying “what’s the point” but not contesting. Now we have to persuade China and INDIA to cooperate.
The An Yue Jiang has docked in Angola - Luanda or Lobito. We want to make sure those guns aren’t off loaded.
And the youngsters in SA.
People first. Three jobs for the weekend.
1. Keep an eye on the off loading.
2. Mobilise support for the youngsters and give some idea here so the Reverend can know what we are doing.
3. Think of how to mobilize support for Tuesday’s UN meeting.
Remember India, it used its veto last time.
April 25th, 2008 21:35
Sorry Reuters link
http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKN2537586220080425?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
April 25th, 2008 21:53
http://www.sahrc.org.za/sahrc_cms/publish/article_300.shtml
Allegations of police brutality against immigrants at Central Methodist Church: SAHRC responds Feb 1, 2008:
‘Also, where a person claims to be an asylum seeker, or where is appears to an arresting officer, immigration or detention officer, that the person may well have a genuine claim to asylum, the officer must immediately advise such a person of his or her right to apply for asylum status, and render all reasonable assistance to such a person.’
‘People detained in terms of the Immigration Act should be held separately from criminal suspects during the period that they are in police custody.’
Secondly - The Zimbabwe Exile Forum:
Mission Statement:
To combat impunity and achieve justice and dignity for victims of human rights violations occurring in Zimbabwe with particular emphasis on the exiled victims.
To provide any other assistance necessary for the dignity and well-being of all exiles from Zimbabwe, in particular victims of torture, political violence and other human rights abuses .
Gabriel Shumba
Tel: 072 6393 795
Fax: 0866542780
Email: gabmrech@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.zimexilesforum.org
April 25th, 2008 22:07
Racism driving Magabe …. I know this is an old topic but why does everyone stand by and “tolerate” the disgusting racism and apartheid advocated by Magabe? Please will someone tell him that no-one wants to colonise Zimbabwe and that the country is the common birthright of us all. Let’s drop the steaming hatred and unite in love. Incidently farmers offered many farms to the government who declined, IN WRITING. The “land grab” was about punishing MDC supporters and not about land at all. In closing I would like to say that I’m so very angry about all the hunger, brutality and torture that folk are having to endure. Please, please will somebody, anybody, do something useful to help protect the people.
April 25th, 2008 23:12
Sokwanele is lead by a former white Rhodesian and is funded by the US administration of George W Bush that is overtly funding organizations to topple a legitimately constituted government. It should come as no surprise that the US has added Zimbabwe to the list of countries it will perpetually seek regime change not to mention it’s illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq. It is not an organization that seeks to advance the legitimate aspirations of the African people but rather is a front to protect the interests of whites in Zimbabwe and in southern Africa that seek the covert support of the West.
April 26th, 2008 00:21
http://journals.aol.co.uk/pharmolo/NorthernTrip/entries/2008/04/21/mugabe-and-the-devil/6254
I read the above link a few minutes ago and couldnt have agreed more with the writer.
Is Mugabe a racist people? Is he really and truly convinced that in this day and age an African country can be re-colonised, while all the other African countries stand by?. Is he being the serpent he is and using the imperialist card just because he and his greedy cronies want to stay in power? In my view, Zanu PF are the new colonisers of Zimbabwe. Mugabe seems to me to be racist to the whites and the blacks of Zimbabwe. He seems to have so much hate for anyone who opposes him and cooks up stuff to vomit out to the people.
Why doesnt he just shoot the rest of us who oppose him and him and his Zanu PF cronies can look at each other all day long in Zimbabwe. It seems to be that maybe thats what they want, Zimbabwe is for Zanu PF and no-one else.
Did Mugabe buy or make Zimbabwe? Its like he is married to Zimbabwe, till death do us part. His speech about our soverenity our rights. What about us who oppose Zanu PF, what about our soverenity and our rights.
If he hates Westernisation so much, he should take off those suits and smart cars he drives and go about naked and on foot, like we Africans did in the past.
April 26th, 2008 00:54
4 Kevin Hughes
Are you one of the lunatic-fringe white liberals who have managed to convince yourself that all the black Zimbabweans protesting in South Africa are a poor bunch of deluded black people, who are part of a white western conspiracy ! It was a bunch of white western lunatic fringe liberals who helped Mugabe into power in the first place and now you conveniently believe he is legit because an ideological transition does not suite your mad-cap ideals!
April 26th, 2008 01:29
@Kevin
Are you saying that the person leading Sokwanele was previously white? Have you heard the one about alligators in the sewers of LA?
April 26th, 2008 01:57
neither is mugabe interested in us kevin
April 26th, 2008 02:32
To Sokwanele
There seems to be an depressing amount of lost rebels looking for a cause commenting on this blog, or using this forum as a stage to denigrate their perceived enemies in other issues. I apologise for submitting terse retaliatory comments in response, instead of concentrating on the issue at hand. Like many regulars to this site, we have ties with Zimbabwe, and especially if you have family there the situation is especially worrying. Our interest lies in the fate of Zimbabwe first and foremost, and we avidly search all news outlets for information to either soothe or be forewarned of our worst fears becoming reality. To have repressed individuals contributing their intellectual meanderings or amateurish journalistic leanings is nothing short of insulting, not just to us regulars, but also to the people of Zimbabwe. The errant bloggers effectively sideline the plight of Zimbabweans as no more than case scenarios and vehicles for their egotistical theorising.
Notwithstanding the above, I commend you for publishing comments from Kevin Hughes, who aptly illustrates a comment made by Churchill - ‘[He] looks at foreign affairs through the wrong end of a municipal drainpipe.’
Now do you see the alligators?
April 26th, 2008 04:32
Kevin, I do not know whether what you say is true. I don’t know who leads Sokwanele, or who funds it. Actually I think it is irrelevant. The issue at hand here is justice for the citizens people of Zimbabwe.Mugabe is out of line and it’s very obvious to everyone.Regime change is needed in Zimbabwe and I think your comment simply clouds the real issues with your own anti-Bush political opinions. A ‘former white Rhodesian’ (do you mean he’s not white anymore??) is still a Zimbabwean and has every right to try to affect change for his nation. And why does it matter if he’s white? Have we learned nothing from history?? Why do we consistently have to pass judgements on peoples agenda based on the colour of their skin? Does his whiteness itself betray a particular political agenda?
April 26th, 2008 08:15
Hi
There is the principle of non refoulement which is protected in terms of the South African Refugees Act and it basically protects people from being sent back to the place they came from where to do so would be to place them in the hands of their persecutors. This can be applied in this situation and you can get an interdict to prevent their deportation.
Moreover, in terms of the Refugees Act asylum seekers should not be penalised for their unlawful entry into a country. This is also a basis on which you may seek to support the interdict.
The Legal Resources Centre has a Refugee and Asylum Seeker Project. The lead attorney (as far as I know) on these cases is William Kerfoot and you can contact him on this number (021) 481-3000 because it is the weekend you will get a message which should give you an emergency number to call. You may also contact
Janet love on (011) 836-9831, 838-6601, 403-0902 she works at the National Office in Joberg.
Another option is Wits Law Clinic and speak with Abeda Bhamjee bhamjeea@law.wits.ac.za their telephone number is +27 11 717 8562
I will also add these to your database.
I hope this works out for the guys because as you say it is unthinkable and also i think in violation of international and south african national law to deport these guys
April 26th, 2008 09:06
KH #16, I feel sorry for you, but not half as sorry as I feel for the majority of the citizens of Zimbabwe who have suffered immeasurably at the hands of Robert Mugabe and his militia. Their current plight is well documented.
I am quite sure that had Mugabe ruled with integrity and done what was best for his country - and not his own interests - this terrible situation now facing Zimbabwe would not have arisen.
That country needs help to be rebuilt - not further destroyed - and thanks should be given to all prepared to help in that endeavour. I pity those with no compassion.
April 26th, 2008 10:28
yeah yeah….
*Britain is responsible for everything wrong in Zimbabwe,
* Sanctions have destroyed the economy,
* The opposition are out to overthrow a legitimate regime,
* The opposotion are waging terror aginst innocent Zanu PF people,
etc etc etc
It’s all part of the same propoganda effort, and I bet Sokwanele published KH because it it makes that point.
Zanu supporters will read all the blogs like this and try to create mayhem.
April 26th, 2008 11:32
Kevin Hughes @ April 25th, 2008 23:12
States
“Sokwanele is lead by a former white Rhodesian and is funded by the US administration of George W Bush that is overtly funding organizations to topple a legitimately constituted government. It should come as no surprise that the US has added Zimbabwe to the list of countries it will perpetually seek regime change not to mention it’s illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq. It is not an organization that seeks to advance the legitimate aspirations of the African people but rather is a front to protect the interests of whites in Zimbabwe and in southern Africa that seek the covert support of the West”.
I have read some rather interesting posts here, some having less merits than others but yours literally takes the proverbial cake.
Seriously, get some professional help because you sound like you actually beleive your own conspiracy theory..
April 26th, 2008 11:41
Ignore Kevin Hughes and he will hopefully go away.
Probably a ZANU-PF bigwig in disguise.
April 26th, 2008 11:59
“a legitimately constituted government.”
It is not legitimate. It lost the election and is refusing to transfer power as it should according to the law.
April 26th, 2008 13:20
I have just read the list of the victims of the ZPF thuggery. Kevin Hughes, please read it. Not one of the victims is white! Not the 5 year old burnt to death in his house and not the mother and infant, none of them. Please explain how our wanting to stop this murder is to advance the agendas of a white community?
April 26th, 2008 15:46
There is no doubt that “the US has added Zimbabwe to the list of countries it will perpetually seek regime change not to mention it’s illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq.” Why is the US interested in Zimbabwean affairs. WHy is it that 99% of your posted stories are negative against the current government.
TO Erin……….. who asked “Why do we consistently have to pass judgements on peoples agenda based on the colour of their skin? Does his whiteness itself betray a particular political agenda?……… YES his whiteness portray a racist Ian Smith regime. To all patriotic Zimbabweans, lets not be fooled by these western powers with their 30 pieces of silver. Can anyone explain why Zimbabwe wasn’t put under sanctions when the whites seized our land 100years ago? Why didn’t Britain cry for human abuses then? Which election did Brown win? Why is US not put under sanctions for the illegal invasion of Iraq? AND WHY WASN’T AFRICA COMPENSATED FOR SLAVE TRADE?
April 26th, 2008 16:21
George W. Bush is an idiot. I ought to know, my country has been stuck with him for nearly eight years.
The only reason my government is “suddenly” interested in Zimbabwean affairs is probably because trade partner China has been publicly exposed as a dirty arms trader. “Suddenly” it’s impossible to ignore Mugabe’s horrible regime.
Thank God another president will be along shortly to sort out the mess - for both our countries!
April 26th, 2008 16:53
Charlie, having lived through the mess that was Rhodesia and now the mess… yes the mess that was Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, all i can see the desperate need to change and move on. In every respect, that includes mindset.
Yes we may have anger for what went before, the slave trade, Ian smith and all that went before. etc etc but going around in circles like this will not change it or gain compensation for those long dead.
We owe it our children, particularly our Zimbabwean children to MOVE ON and try and create a world with that sort of horror is NEVER REPEATED! AND where the sort of mindless blood shed that our country endured for so long and is still enduring STOPS and is never REPEATED AGAIN.
You talk about the slaves…. they are gone, their suffering is over and their descendents are making huge strides forward and making their mark on the world. Ian Smith is dead, those that followed him in life have moved on and care nothing for Zimbabwe and its people now. The black population now has the land back.
The nation has now the power to vote in an environment of freedom and peace. Which it did. The nation, freely without intimidation, voiced its opinion.
But our people in Zimbabwe NOW are suffering the agonies of the damned just for voting for a change of government. These ordinary black Zimbabweans are not being terrorised by Westerners, or even whites, they are being terrorised by black Zimbabweans. What justification is there for this! Please tell me.
Charlie you say a lot about Britain, you even mention Iraq and Bush. Can we ask you about the Chinese? Zimbabwe’s allies and trading partners - lets look at Tibet, was their action there any different to Bush in Iraq? Yet you as a patriotic Zimbabwean cannot discern their pieces of silver.
I agree we must be pragmatic about the world around us - EAST as well as west and understand everything comes with a price BUT
What has Iraq got to do with children being murdered in Karoi, because their parents choose to support a political movement different to the government. Come on? Who will save OUR People when we cannot even take them to hospital without being threatened and killed ourselves.
I want my kids to stand in lines to vote in peace and fairness where they know their voice will be respected, win or lose, and where they need not fear that some mindless beast will come and beat them for saying their piece.
Sorry Charlie, I hear your bitterness but you MUST LOOK TO THE FUTURE. This world is changing and we cannot look at the colour of our skin or their skin. We have to look at people for who they are, what their motivations are etc.
You cannot successfully drive a car forward if you are constantly looking in the rear view mirror.
April 26th, 2008 17:54
WRT Kevin Hughes:-
To you, who all are offended by his comments - I think you’ve missed the bus.
He is clearly a common village wag - a tongue-in-cheek satirist. Read what he writes with an optimistic outlook - how he describes it all is exactly as Mugabe would have us believe. Hence it’s of course a joke!
Well written Kevin. We’re not giving you the credit you deserve for the subtle humour that you display in your comment that so obviously comes from great intelligence.
April 26th, 2008 18:17
4Kevin
Dear Kevin Hughes…..you’re barking up the wrong tree. I feel so so sorry for you cause when change comes to our beautiful land of Zimbabwe - you may find your self a serious misfits. The country really has no room for selfish, power hungry, narrow minded individuals who seek only their own interests at the expense of the suffering masses. You remind me of Marie Antoinette……you are spitting the same words “if the people have no bread…let them eat cake”. You simply have no idea what your many brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe are going through. in the mean time enjoy your Cake, though I pray that as you eat it you get a “light bulb” moment.
April 26th, 2008 18:49
Guys lets all tell the truth for the sake of progress in a better Zimbabwe.Land wasn’t taken away from the whites but it is the other way round hence it had to be returned to the rightful owners… THERE IS NO DOUBT THE WAY IN WHICH IT WAS “RETURNED” WAS BETTER THAN THE WAY IT WAS SEIZED from the Zimbabweans. Now the thieves/colonialist/racists decided to use their accumulated stolen wealth to sabotage the Zimbabwean economy because. Tsvangirai called for sanctions, Mugabe initiated agrarian reform? Who has the nation at heart? The strategy is to make people vote using their stomachs…
April 26th, 2008 22:32
Iwe Charlie, we all know that the whites did wrong by grabbing our land…but that was many many many years ago.
Which black people do you know that are benefiting from the so called land distribution today?
I think if you are honest, the Zanu PF bunch have failed the people of Zimbabwe because they cannot control their greed…simple….black, white, green or blue, greed is greed and that is the problem with Zanu PF, I have moved in their circles and they DO NOT CARE FOR THE PEOPLE!!!!!
Mugabe and Zanu PF have lied to the people of Zimbabwe, only to fill and feed their bellies…
April 28th, 2008 20:00
[...] Africa is about to do the unthinkable: But after the arrests resulting from a protest outside the Chinese embassy in South Africa, I was [...]
May 23rd, 2008 14:53
l want to comment on the killing of fellow Africans in S.A a country which also relied on other foreign countries for shelter just a few years ago in the apathied regime, it is very sad how easily these people can forget. We are all humans and lets treat each other like humans , killing of other people like that is not only barbaric but satanic as well coz when l watched a man being burned alive l cried not for the dead but for the perpetrators becoz they do not know what they re doing or are blinded to see the truth because of their laziness they are blaming foreiners of stealing their jobs but these same foreigners put aside their degrees and work any kind of job and you kill them for that. remember in one way or another we need the help of others South African or not.
josephine
Zambia