ARTUZ pushes for member’s freedom

By Kundai Marunya

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) is pushing for the release of its member, Sheila Chirisamunhu, a 53-year-old educator who is serving a 16-month prison sentence for protesting poor renumeration.
Chirisamunhu was convicted by Masvingo Magistrate Mbonisi Ndlovu on charges of participating in a gathering with intent to cause public violence, breaching of peace or bigotry on December 21.
Chirisamunhu has since appealed to overturn her conviction at the High Court citing lack of evidence to prove her charge, and the absence of evidence from an independent person that she was participating in a gathering.
ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure said they are confident that Government will see reason and release Chirisamunhu.
“The Government will be forced to release if we keep at it and build momentum. If they were forced to reverse the construction of the sexy Nehanda statue we can surely force them to release an innocent teacher,” he said.
Masaraure said on his last visit, Chirisamunhu was in high spirits despite being incarcerated.
“She was in a great mood when I saw her … Sheila instructed me to organise lawyers to assist some unjustly incarcerated female prisoners. She is a fighter.”
ARTUZ has since launched the #FreeSheila campaign.
“Sheila Chirisamunhu, is a 53-year-old mother with five dependents. She is a primary school teacher who has served for 30 years,” reads the petition.
“The government of Zimbabwe slashed teacher salaries from US$500 monthly to US$30 per month. Sheila joined other teachers and peacefully protested against the illegal salary slash.
“Sheila was arrested and charged with public violence. No incidence of violence was ever reported during and after the protest. Sheila was ridiculously convicted for public violence.
“Her crime was asking for the restoration of her salary. Sheila was sentenced to 16 months in prison, sentencing was done a couple of days after the commemorations of 16 days of Gender Based Violence. She will serve 10 months in prison. A male counterpart who was jointly accused with her was freed.
“Both the conviction and sentencing are an assault on freedom to petition duty bearers and labour justice. Government has curtailed the freedom of assembly and criminalised Trade Unionism. We demand Sheila’s freedom! #FreeSheila,” reads the petition. Nhau/Indaba