The General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) today expressed grave concern over the growing wave of repression and human rights violations in Zimbabwe and called for immediate action to halt the persecution of Zimbabweans at home and abroad.

Church leaders have now become targets of police harassment in Zimbabwe. Over the last few days a number of church leaders, civil society activists, human rights campaigners and opposition leaders have been detained and beaten by police for participating in public prayer meetings. Zimbabwean authorities attempted to ban the meetings in terms of Zimbabwe's draconian Public Order and Safety Act (POSA), enacted in January 2002.

Mr Eddie Makue, the General Secretary of the SACC said, "We notice, with deep concern that Zimbabwean authorities are attempting to create and exploit divisions within the Zimbabwean Church. Authoritarian regimes commonly make use of such 'divide and rule' tactics to discredit and stifle genuine opposition."

"History has shown that the truth will set us free. No matter how harsh the repression, a people who seek peace with justice can not be deterred," Makue warned.

The inhuman actions of the Zimbabwe security forces are rapidly closing the options open to the people of Zimbabwe in finding amicable resolutions for the many challenges confronting this troubled nation.

"The people of Zimbabwe need the space to express peacefully their aspirations and their dissatisfaction with the hyperinflation, unemployment and shortages of basic commodities that are making life intolerable for the vast majority of citizens," Makue observed. "We hope and pray that avenues for peaceful demonstration will not be completely closed. Similarly, the state should avoid criminalizing the legitimate grievances of concerned Zimbabweans."

Makue noted that the massive migration of Zimbabweans to other countries in the region is a clear indicator of the depth and scale of the nation's problems and the need for urgent redress. Even the relief services offered by churches in neighboring countries are unable either to stem the tide of migrants or to meet their dire needs in neighboring countries. As a result, the situation in Zimbabwe threatens to destabilize the entire SADC region.

Political leaders within SADC have a responsibility to engage in actions that enhance peace and security for all people of the region. The silence of the South African government is aggravating the situation. Our leaders must show that they are committed to helping the people of Zimbabwe to find rapid solutions to the many problems confronting them.

Churches also have a responsibility to speak out, Makue claimed. "When our Zimbabwean sisters and brothers flee from unjust persecution and the violation of their human rights, they are often treated like criminals by the governments and people of neighboring counties," said Makue. "Xenophobia and discrimination are rife, and churches must say clearly that we will not tolerate such inhumanity."

Makue affirmed the SACC's support for the principle of finding African solutions to Africa's problems. "Those who are engaged in peaceful and legal actions deserve the support of all peace-loving citizens," he said. "Now is the time for us to act for peace and justice in Zimbabwe."

For more information, contact: Eddie Makue, General Secretary (082 853 8781)