Doctors, lawyers and nurses protest

Zimbabwean doctors, nurses, lawyers and members of other professions are currently lodged at the president’s office in Samora Machel Avenue and second street. They are protesting and calling for the release of one Dr Peter Magombeyi who they suspect to have been abducted a few days ago. Magombeyi has not been heard from casting fears tat he might have been a vitim af abduction and kidnapping as has become the norm in Zimbabwe.

Magombeyi was also the acting president of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association. He was heavily involved in the negotiations to have the salaries of doctors reviewed upwards and their working conditions improved. He confided to his colleagues that he had been on the receiving end of thread to his life.

A few days ago, doctors and nurses held a night vigil for Magombeyi at Parirenyatwa hospital. Scores of people attended the vigil and prayers were made for the safe return of Magombeyi.

The doctors are currently on strike and downed tools even before his disappearance. Business is at a standstill in public hospitals. The government has distanced itsef from the disappearance much to the disbelief of many Zimbabweans. Barely a month ago, comedian Gonyeti was abducted and tortured by unknown assailants at her home. She was later dumped in Crowborough.

Professor Jonathan Moyo, who is in exile, tweeted recently that there is a third force in Zimbabwe responsible for abductions and kidnapping. He said it consisted of rogue army officers who at times go beyond their mandate and abduct people.

Doctors have been crying foul over poor working conditions in government hospitals. They engaged the minister early this year to try and air out their concerns. It seems as if nothing much has been done to alleviate the chaos at public hospitals