Concern over heavy-handed agents

Sitabile Dewa who was arrested in May last year on charges of attempting to overthrow the Zimbabwean Government was released in August, but her ordeal is not over. The gender justice activist says that ever since her arrest, she has been followed and unknown vehicles park outside her house. Her experience is not unique. ‘The past two years alone have been dramatic and very difficult for women human rights defenders and activists,’ said Dewa, the executive director of the Women’s Academy For Leadership and Political Excellence. The Mail & Guardian reports that she says other activists like Rita Nyampinga, Farirai Gumbonzvanda, Noxolo Maphosa and Nancy Njenge have been harassed by suspected state security agents. And the government appears to have taken advantage of the Covid-19 restrictions to clamp down on women who dare challenge the abuses and state excesses.