Lawyers asked a Harare court to clear three University of Zimbabwe teachers who paid fines after their arrest during a pay protest. Professor Obvious Vengeyi, Boncase Mwakorera, and Desmond Ndedzu lead the Association of University Teachers. Police arrested them on April 16 for what officers called disorderly behavior under criminal law. The teachers spent one night in jail before each paid $15 to leave.
Legal team members Kelvin Kabaya, Emmanuel Chibwe, and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa claim the teachers acted within their rights to protest. They say their clients paid only because they wanted to avoid staying locked up through the Easter holidays. Their April 22 letter points to Section 65 of the constitution, which allows workers to take job action together. The lawyers stand ready to defend the three teachers if the case moves forward.
Police accused the teachers of running an illegal picket with other university staff members who wanted better pay and work conditions.
Legal team members Kelvin Kabaya, Emmanuel Chibwe, and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa claim the teachers acted within their rights to protest. They say their clients paid only because they wanted to avoid staying locked up through the Easter holidays. Their April 22 letter points to Section 65 of the constitution, which allows workers to take job action together. The lawyers stand ready to defend the three teachers if the case moves forward.
Police accused the teachers of running an illegal picket with other university staff members who wanted better pay and work conditions.
