Report on political violence in Bulawayo, Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Midlands

July 29, 2000

Harare

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Case 16: Mabvuku
I am the MDC district secretary, organizer for Highfield. On 21 May, at around 7.00 pm while we were guarding our aspiring MP’s house in Mabvuku, the police came and rounded us up. We were 12 in number, they arrived in a police vehicle. They took six of us initially, and another two later (four managed to escape). They took us to Mabvuku Police Station and beat us all over our bodies until 10 pm. I was assaulted with sjamboks, baton sticks and electric cables. They beat me all over, including on the feet (falanga) continuously. They then took us to the cells. The officer in charge, Mabvuku also joined in the assault, using an electric cable. I suffered injuries all over the body, including the head. I can identify some of the officers who assaulted me, although not by name. The following day we were taken to Harare Central Police Station, where statements were taken from us. They alleged that we had assaulted a person that is unknown to me. We were taken for an identification parade, where the person could easily pick on us because of the dirty attire which we had. The other people were all dressed in clean clothes. On 26 May, we were remanded in custody until the 26 June. Bail was granted ($1000 per head). I still feel pain in the head, back and legs because of the assaults. I told the magistrate that I was assaulted, but nothing was written down. TOP