Organised Violence and Torture
in Zimbabwe

IRCT
Harare and Copenhagen - June 06, 2000

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5. Findings

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5.1 Cases seen (Cont'd)
5.1.2 Case B:

History
This lady is the wife of Case A and was beaten at the same time as her husband. She was subsequently treated in hospital as she was beaten with knobkerries under the breasts. Her child was on her back and witnessed the incident. She only partially saw the incident regarding her husband.

Previous medical history:
In good health prior to torture.

Alleged Torture Methods

  • Psychological torture: Threats, including death threats

  • Witnessing torture of her husband (partly seen, partly overheard)

  • Physical torture: Beaten in the front part of her body and heart (while wearing her 4- year old son on her back) using wooden clubs and fists

Subjective Complaints
Pain in the left shoulder and under left breast. Headaches, dizziness, anxiety attack in the form of flashbacks

Objective Physical Findings
Nil

Objective Psychological Findings
Sad, introvert, depressed, anxious

Conclusions
The subjective complaints and objective psychological findings correspond to the physical maltreatment and psychological torture. TOP