We as Matabeleland Collective, a network of Civil Society Organisations and
Churches based in Bulawayo register our collective concerns arising from the 14 to 23
January 2019 social unrest stemming from the raising of fuel prices without wide
consultations. This social unrest was characterised by indiscriminate action on the part
of police including reckless use of tear gas and arbitrary arrests of over 500 people,
beatings, abductions and inaction as looting began in most suburbs of the city. The
Collective is concerned that Police Officers became preoccupied with stopping
possible protest action and failed to play their peacekeeping role, failing to protect
citizens and businesses when looting began in most suburbs of the City. Matabeleland Collective -Press Statement on 24 January 2019
