Farai Dziva|Pressure groups and church leaders in Masvingo have denounced the arrest and detention of MACRAD Trust Director, Ephraim Mutombeni.

Below is a joint statement written by Christian organizations and pressure groups in Masvingo:

On Sunday the 29th of June, the Director of Masvingo Centre for Research and Advocacy (MACRAD) Mr Mutombeni Ephraim in company of his lawyer, Mr Martin Mureri of ZLHR, presented themselves to the police.

Their visit was a response to the warrant of arrest issued against him. The state security alleged that Mr Mutombeni was subverting the authority of the President and posing threats to state security.

However, his visit subsequently resulted in a wanton arrest. Ideally, the malicious, unfounded and disturbing allegations epitomize gross violation of human rights.

It is undeniable that the arbitrary incarceration of Mr Mutombeni on the 29th of June was no coincidence, but a well calculated ploy to disrupt his intended advocacy meeting with the ZHRC.

It follows that Mr Mutombeni through MACRAD was actively pushing for the rights of the minority Shangaan ethnic group who are facing an impending forced displacement from their tribal land by the government.

Ideally, the criminal allegations levelled against him are not substantive and they lack legal backing.

Unfortunately, the subsequent rejection of his bail application (postponed to 13 July) at Masvingo Magistrate Court is treacherous.

Furthermore, the detention is unwarranted and unjust to his character and the well decorated advocacy image of MACRAD.

Painfully, all the efforts to rescue him are not yielding positive results.