THE Government of South Africa has noted with concern the reports related to human rights violations in Zimbabwe, according to Department of International Relations and Cooperation on Thursday.
The department said Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, is in contact with her Zimbabwean counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Sibusiso Moyo.
As recent as on Tuesday, the two ministers had a telephonic conversation, wherein Pandor expressed South Africa’s readiness to assist if requested.
Pandor reiterated South Africa’s commitment to peace and stability in the region and the African Continent.
She stated that it remains South Africa’s resolve to continue the pursuit for consultative solutions to address the existing socio-economic challenges and to contribute to the wellbeing of all Zimbabweans, the people of the SADC Region and Africans at large.
The United Nations (UN) has called on Zimbabwe’s government to ensure human rights are protected.
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said he is following the recent developments in the African country closely.
He has urged the government to allow people to express themselves and gather in line with Zimbabwe’s human rights obligations.
Several opposition members and government critics have been arrested in recent days and rights groups allege security forces have carried out illegal abductions.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights says it has represented more than 20 people detained since last week, when the military and the police thwarted an anti-government protest that had been scheduled for Friday.
(COMPILED BY INSIDE POLITICS STAFF)
