HARARE - Police in riot gear yesterday tear-gassed a group of women protestors performing a ceremonial “love march” in Harare.

Women of Zimbabwe Arise (Woza) members were in for a shock as their “love march” was intercepted at the corner of Nelson Mandela Avenue and Second Street just as they approached Parliament.

Five hundred Woza members in two separate groups marched on Parliament to commemorate Valentine’s Day and the group’s 11th anniversary.

Eight police officers menacingly wielding baton sticks stopped the first group of protestors about 50 metres from Parliament where tear gas was used.

As police pushed protestors away, some cops beat the dispersing crowd, causing pandemonium.

Woza leader Jenni Williams and several other protestors were detained by police.

It was not clear what charges they face but were still locked up by the time of going to print. - Staff Writer