Woza activist strips at police station

A WOMEN of Zimbabwe Arise (Woza) activist, who allegedly stripped naked in front of police officers at Bulawayo Central Police Station yesterday appeared in court charged with indecent exposure.

She was arrested while demanding the release of her colleagues arrested during a demonstration on Valentine's Day.

Bertha Sibanda (55) of Makokoba  suburb, Bulawayo, was not asked to plead to the charge when she appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Takunda Witness Mtetwa.

She was remanded to March 4 on $100 bail.

In her warned and caution statement Sibanda said she stripped naked because she was provoked by the police.

The prosecutor Tarisayi Matarise told the court that on Valentine's Day at 4pm, Sibanda was part of a group of women who demonstrated at Southampton Building in the central business district.

Some of her colleagues were arrested and taken to Bulawayo Central Police Station.

Sibanda and another group of more than 100 women went to the station demanding the release of their colleagues. While gathered in the police courtyard, she allegedly stripped naked and was arrested.

A docket of indecent exposure was opened against her.

Kossam Ncube and Nontozo Tachiona are representing Sibanda.

Comments