5. Findings (Cont'd)

5.2 Mass psychological torture ("Pungwes" and political rallies)
The mass psychological impact of the beatings and humiliation of individuals in front of their communities has led to the creation of mass psychological torture, including helplessness and anxiety, on a large scale. It is impossible to estimate the scale, and previous experience indicates that the full scale will only be seen in the future.

The forced attendance of people at "pungwes" and political meetings constitutes psychological torture. The additional coercion, supported by some of the cases seen, for person to publicly renounce their party affiliations causes severe psychological distress, the effects of which have long-term social and political consequences.

5.3 Community disruption
Through interviews of both the victims and the key informants, the following picture has emerged:

Health services have been disrupted:

• Health facilities have been closed;

• Ambulances have been stopped or denied access to victims;

• Threats to victims who seek medical assistance or make reports to the police after assaults or torture;

• Threats to victims who seek medical reports from the police.

Health workers prevented from rendering assistance:

• Informants indicated that there was a threatening atmosphere around clinics and hospitals that inhibited health workers from carrying out their duties on occasion;

• War veterans are reported to have exhibited threatening behaviour to health workers.

Health workers intimidated or attacked:

• Health workers have been assaulted;

• Health workers have been raped.