The MDC is concerned by the continued arrests and ill-treatment of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (Woza) members by the police.

Since the beginning of the year, hundreds of Woza members have been arrested countless times for holding peaceful demonstrations on issues affecting the people of Zimbabwe on a daily basis.

The latest arrests were on Monday when nine Woza members were picked up in Bulawayo for holding a demonstration calling for the resignation of the acting police commissioner general, Augustine Chihuri.

It is regrettable that all the nine Woza members are still in police custody and the MDC calls for their immediate release. The Monday demonstration by Woza calling for Chihuri's resignation, reinforces the position of the majority of the people of Zimbabwe.

Like the MDC, the people of Zimbabwe want Chihuri to be replaced by a full time Police Commissioner for he has brought dishonour to the country's police force by his partisan behaviour. Chihuri is a square peg in a round hole, therefore he should leave the Zimbabwe Republic Police and join Zanu PF full time as its political commissar.

The people of Zimbabwe want a professional police force that respects the rule of law.