The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed claims circulating on social media about a vendor protest or march in Bulawayo on Friday, 28 March.
The video in question, which purportedly shows vendors demonstrating, has been identified as an old video from a previous incident when vendors marched during the funeral of a colleague who had passed away.
The ZRP has also refuted claims made in another video, where a woman alleged she had been assaulted by anti-riot police officers on the same day.
The Police issued a stern warning to those involved in the deliberate circulation of false information, especially those sharing old videos with the intent to create panic or mislead the public.
The ZRP made it clear that those found responsible for spreading such false narratives to cause alarm and despondency will face the full consequences of the law. The ZRP said:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to the video circulating on social media purporting that there was a demonstration or march by Bulawayo vendors today.
The Police reiterates that this is an old video of vendors who were marching during the funeral of a colleague who had passed on.
The mourners were paying respects in recognition of their colleague. The public is urged to dismiss the video with the contempt it deserves.
The Police also dismisses old videos of a woman claiming that she has been assaulted with a button stick by riot Police today.
Meanwhile, the ZRP warns individuals and syndicates against circulating old videos of incidences involving Police officers with an agenda of causing alarm and despondency in the country. The law will take its course without fear or favour.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

The police in Zimbabwe say there were no vendor protests in Bulawayo despite claims on social media. A video circulating was actually from a past event, not a recent protest. The police also deny a woman's claim of being assaulted by officers. They warn against spreading false information and causing panic. People who share old videos to mislead others will face legal consequences. The public is told to ignore the fake news and not believe everything they see on social media.

ZRP Denies Claims Of Vendor Protests In Bulawayo And Police Brutality

A passenger was shot and killed by police officers in Mwenezi after the vehicle he was in allegedly sped off when waved down near Rutenga along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway on Tuesday.
This area is known for robberies and carjackings.
The deceased, 21-year-old Shadreck Madzore, was sitting at the back of a pick-up truck when he was reportedly hit by two bullets fired from an unmarked Toyota Probox car used by the police.
After a high-speed chase, both vehicles stopped at the tollgate, where police discovered that Madzore had been shot dead.
The deceased’s relatives told NewsDay that police arrested the truck driver and another passenger, accusing them of being robbers. However, they were later released without any charges.
Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, the spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Masvingo Province, said he had not yet received the report at the time of writing.
Samson Madzore, the deceased’s uncle, accused the police of overreacting and misusing their firearms. He said:
<blockquote>
The car which is mine had a puncture at that detour. We heard that soon after replacing the wheel, they (the driver and his passengers) proceeded, but were flagged by a Toyota Probox car without plates.
Fearing robbers, they did not stop. My driver sped off with the other car in hot pursuit.
The occupants of the car opened fire and hit Shadreck twice and that is the statement made to police in our presence.
</blockquote>
Reports say that last week, a haulage truck driver was assaulted and robbed of cash and valuables in the same area.
Given this recent incident, it’s possible that the driver of the vehicle in which Shadreck Madzore was a passenger feared the police vehicle might belong to armed robbers since it was unmarked and had no number plates.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200039708/mwenezi-police-gun-down-man-in-cold-blood">NewsDay</a>

In Mwenezi, police shot and killed a passenger in a speeding vehicle. The area is known for robberies. The victim, Shadreck Madzore, was hit by bullets fired from an unmarked police car. The police arrested the truck driver and another passenger but later released them. The deceased's uncle accused the police of overreacting. Last week, a truck driver was robbed in the same area. The driver may have feared the police car was robbers since it was unmarked. This incident may have been a mistake.

Police Officers In Unmarked Car Open Fire At Vehicle, Killing Passenger In Mwenezi

Police officers allegedly set dogs on a suspected armed robber during an identification process in Bulawayo, with two other suspects claiming they were arrested due to mistaken identity, reported <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200038233/police-set-dogs-on-armed-robber">Southern Eye</a>.
The suspects—Silence Kwangwa (30), Julius Mugwagwa (28), and Felius Mvula (54)—appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Matthew Mutiro, facing a robbery charge.
The trio pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody until February 20.
In his plea, Kwangwa said that he worked as a taxi driver. Said Kwangwa:
<blockquote>
The police forced me to be taken pictures carrying a gun.
They searched all my belongings and nothing was found pertaining to this case.
A medical report can be produced which will reveal how the police assaulted me.
</blockquote>
Mugwagwa said that he only became aware of the alleged robbery after his arrest. He said:
<blockquote>
I was called to meet someone at Magetsini in Emakhandeni and police surrounded the car.
The following day, we were taken to a bush in Richmond, where we found Kwangwa and dogs were set on him.
The police then told us they had dockets with them and no one was going to refuse to sign the dockets.
</blockquote>
Mvula said Kwangwa was his nephew’s taxi driver. He said:
<blockquote>
I do not know how I was involved in this robbery case.
I told the police and that was recorded in my statement.
I am yet to hear from the police who arrested me and the investigating officer (about) what I did.
</blockquote>
Prosecutors allege that on September 23, 2023, Kwangwa, Mugwagwa, and Mvula robbed Evergold Milling Company, stealing goods, money, and cellphones.
The stolen property is valued at US$10,000 and 7,000 rupees.

Police in Bulawayo set dogs on a suspected armed robber during an identification process. Three suspects, Silence Kwangwa, Julius Mugwagwa, and Felius Mvula, were arrested for robbery. Kwangwa claimed he was forced to pose with a gun, while Mugwagwa said he was unaware of the robbery until his arrest. Mvula said he was unsure why he was involved. The trio pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody. Prosecutors allege they robbed a company of goods and money. The stolen property is worth US$10,000 and 7,000 rupees. The suspects will remain in custody until their trial in February.

Police Set Dogs On Armed Robber During "Indications"

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has paid over ZWG140,000 to Amos Siska, a Gweru resident and victim of police brutality.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), in April 2020, during the enforcement of government-imposed national lockdown regulations, ZRP officers severely assaulted Siska while he was queuing at Stanbic Bank in Gweru.
Siska was assaulted with truncheons, booted feet, and open hands, resulting in serious injuries, including a fractured arm.
Following the assault, Siska engaged Reginald Chidawanyika from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights to sue ZRP Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe for damages related to shock, pain, suffering, and medical expenses.
After a full trial in April 2022, Gweru Provincial Magistrate Miriam Banda ordered Matanga and Kazembe to compensate Siska for the damages resulting from the police assault.
Instead of complying with the court order promptly, Matanga and Kazembe delayed payment, prompting Siska’s lawyer to initiate contempt of court proceedings.
Recently, Kazembe and Matanga finally complied with the court order and paid ZWG143,368 to Siska as compensation for the violation of his rights due to police brutality.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man in Gweru, Zimbabwe got hurt by the police during lockdown. They hit him and broke his arm. He asked for money to pay for the pain and medical bills. The police at first did not give him the money. Finally, after some time, they paid him ZWG143,368. He received the money for the harm caused by the police. This shows that sometimes when people do wrong things, they have to make it right by giving money to those they hurt.

Gweru Man Receives Over ZWG140,000 Compensation After Assault By Police During Lockdown

Police have urged the public to avoid confrontations with officers and making false allegations to garner public sympathy.
This follows a viral video showing police officers allegedly harassing a motorist who reportedly refused to pay a bribe in Masvingo.
However, in a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) clarified that the motorist was arrested after evading a police roadblock along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road and later became confrontational when officers pursued and apprehended him. Said ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi:
<blockquote>
In [a] video circulating on social media in which two police officers are wrestling with a motorist in Masvingo, the Zimbabwe Republic Police puts on record that the suspect, who was driving a Nissan Vannette Registration number AEL 6423, evaded a police roadblock at the 1 kilometre peg along Masvingo-Beitbridge Road near Craft Center where he was stopped for traffic offences.
A member of the public assisted the police with his private motor vehicle to pursue the suspect to Flo Garages, Masvingo where the suspect became confrontational and violent towards the police while recording a video.
The Police subsequently arrested the suspect for the due processes of the law to be followed.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to desist from being confrontational with the police in order to raise false allegations as a way to attract public sympathy.
</blockquote>
According to a Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) report in September 2024, police officers have been involved in nearly 40% of human rights violations, including harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention of citizens, human rights defenders, and political activists.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police say don't fight with them or lie to get attention. They explain a video of a man fighting with police. The man ran from a checkpoint and got caught. They say he was violent. The police want people to follow the law. They don't like false accusations. The police have been accused of many human rights violations. This includes bullying and holding people unlawfully. It's important to be respectful and follow the rules.

ZRP Warns Against False Allegations Following Bribery Harassment Video

Mitch Tafirenyika, a member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), appeared before the High Court in Gweru facing murder charges.
At the time of the incident, Tafirenyika was 28 years old and part of a police team assigned to apprehend armed robbery suspects Tichaona Muzhanduki and Doubt Munsaka at Radway Farm. He and a colleague were armed with service rifles.
Upon arrival at the farm, the team split into four groups to surround the house. When the deceased opened the door after the police had knocked and identified themselves, Tafirenyika discharged his firearm, shooting the individual multiple times in the chest and arms. The victim died on the spot.
Tafirenyika has been convicted of murder and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on September 20, 2024.
However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) did not disclose key details, such as the exact time, day, date of the incident, and the robbery suspect who was killed in the shooting.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A police officer in Zimbabwe, Mitch Tafirenyika, has been found guilty of murder for shooting a suspect multiple times at a farm. The incident happened when the police were trying to catch armed robbery suspects. Tafirenyika will be sentenced in 2024. The exact date and time of the incident, and which suspect was shot, were not shared. Tafirenyika's colleague was also armed but did not shoot. The officer will have to face the consequences of his actions in court soon.

Police Officer Convicted Of Murder After Shooting Suspect

A 17-year-old boy from Kenilworth in Lukona Village, situated between Nkayi and Nyathi in Matabeleland North, has alleged that police officers unleashed four dogs on him and stood by while he was being mauled.
The teenager, identified as Sabelo Dube, was sent to a local shop when he found himself caught in the chaos as police attempted to disperse a rowdy crowd that had gathered following reports of a gold discovery at a nearby claim.
In an interview with CITE reporter <a href="https://cite.org.zw/author/senzeni/">Senzeni Ncube</a>, with permission from his guardian before being taken to a medical facility, Sabelo recounted his ordeal.
He is currently in severe pain and struggling to walk. Sabelo said police officers taunted him while he was being attacked by their dogs. He said:
<blockquote>
As I screamed for help, the officers taunted me, saying, ‘Yekele zikulume mbinjana’ (let them bite you a bit).
I was sitting at the shop when the police arrived in their vehicle. I didn’t know what was going on until I saw people running.
By the time I started to run, the dogs had already caught up with me and started biting. While I was screaming that the dogs were killing me, the officers told me to let them bite me a bit.
After being bitten, they wanted me to get into their vehicle, but I refused and hid. They kept searching for me, saying they wanted the dogs to bite me again, but they didn’t find me.
</blockquote>
His uncle, Tanwell Mpofu, who accompanied him, revealed that the police had confiscated the original police report they had initially written. He said:
<blockquote>
When my wife was supposed to take Sabelo to the hospital, they required a police report. The police initially wrote that he was bitten at the mine, even though he was actually at the shops.
When my brother, who was also at the clinic, took the report to Inyathi police station for correction, the officers told him to leave it, promising to correct it.
</blockquote>
However, when Mpofu returned the following morning to collect the corrected report, the police began making excuses. He said:
<blockquote>
We had to stop at Inyathi police station before coming to Bulawayo. When we called the officer who wrote the report, he said he wasn’t at the station and asked us to come by.
But when we arrived, the other officers claimed they couldn’t rewrite it as they didn’t know what was previously written.
This is truly painful. We are facing challenges even in getting to the hospital because we don’t have money and are unemployed.
We are now borrowing from neighbours to afford the trip to Bulawayo since the clinic back home is too far.
</blockquote>
Jessie Majome, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), recently said law enforcement agents involved in unlawful arrests, detention, and brutality against civilians must be held individually accountable and liable for compensating victims.
She said Zimbabwe’s Constitution protects citizens from arbitrary arrests, harassment, torture, and degrading treatment.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A 17-year-old boy named Sabelo Dube says police set dogs on him and laughed while he was bitten. The police were trying to control a crowd after reports of a gold discovery. Sabelo is in a lot of pain and the police took his original report about the attack. Sabelo's uncle had to fight with the police to get a corrected report. They are struggling to afford the trip to the hospital. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission says police who harm people must pay for the damage.

17-year-old Boy Claims Officers Taunted Him During Attack By 4 Police Dogs

A Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist was injured when anti-riot police stormed a private event in Harare on June 16. The activist, along with 78 other individuals, was arrested during the incident.
The injured CCC activist, identified as Tambudzai Makororo, has since undergone surgery to repair a fracture on her left leg.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/jailed-ccc-activist-undergoes-operation-on-fracture-sustained-in-custody/">ZimLive</a>, Dr. Norman Matara of the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) confirmed that the surgery performed on Makororo at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare was “successful”. He said:
<blockquote>
She had the operation on Monday. It all went well. The outcome is very positive.
</blockquote>
Prison authorities initially appeared reluctant to allow Makororo to undergo the necessary surgery for her leg injury.
Doctors had warned that Makororo had a limited 21-day window for the procedure, after which she may never fully recover from the injury.
To address this issue, the doctors treating Makororo wrote a letter to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), which stated in part:
<blockquote>
She suffered a fracture of the left tibial plateu during her arrest on June 16. She had a backslab applied by one of our doctors to try and stabilise the fracture and reduce pain and inflammation.
Our specialist orthopaedic surgeon has advised us that she urgently needs surgery to stabilise the fracture she sustained.
The standard of care for such fractures is to do surgical management within 21 days of injury to obtain good long-term outcome and prevent permanent disability.
</blockquote>
It is alleged that the police inflicted the injury on Tambudzai Makororo during the incident on June 16.
The doctors treating Makororo expressed optimism that she would fully recover following the successful operation.
Makororo and 77 others including former Harare senator Jameson Timba were further remanded in custody when they appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.
Their lawyer, Agency Gumbo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Hatcliffe Constituency (CCC) and Shadow Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, said their bail appeal in the High Court has been set down for Thursday, July 11, at 9 AM before Justice Lucy Mungwari.
They are charged with participating in a gathering with the intent to promote violence, breaches of peace or bigotry, as well as disorderly conduct.
The lawyers for the activists told the media that the gathering was a barbecue at the home of Timba, to commemorate June 16, the Day of the African Child.
The CCC activists were denied bail, with a Harare magistrate ruling that the detainees were likely to commit similar offences if released. The activists were allegedly assaulted and tortured during their arrest and while in custody.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A CCC activist named Tambudzai got hurt by police at a party. She had surgery for a broken leg. Doctors wanted surgery fast so she could heal well. Police arrested her and others at the party. They are still in jail. Tambudzai needs about 21 days to recover well. She may be okay soon. Tambudzai and others have a court case coming up. They are accused of causing trouble at the party. They are fighting to be released on bail. Police reportedly hurt them during the arrest.

Jailed CCC Activist Undergoes Surgery On Fracture Sustained In Police Custody

Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Southern Africa Khanyo Farisè has called for the release of more than 70 members of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party following a mass arrest on 16 June 2024.
The 78 CCC members, including interim party leader Jameson Timba, were arrested at Timba’s house where they were commemorating the International Day of the African Child. Said Farisè:
<blockquote>
The arrest and continued arbitrary detention of 77 opposition members who had peacefully gathered at a private residence is part of a disturbing pattern of repression against people exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
Zimbabwean authorities must immediately and unconditionally release these opposition members and drop all charges against them.
Authorities must also uphold Zimbabwe’s constitutional and international human rights obligations including the rights to peaceful assembly, liberty and freedom from torture and other ill-treatment.
Authorities must promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively investigate allegations that some of those arrested were tortured while in police custody and bring to justice those suspected to be responsible. Authorities must also ensure those affected receive urgent medical attention.
</blockquote>
One of the individuals arrested was a nursing mother, and another was a 17-year-old minor who has since been released to the custody of his parent.
The group were held in custody for more than 48 hours without appearing before a competent court, which violates the law.
On 17 June, police charged the detainees with “gathering with intent to promote public violence and disorderly conduct.”
77 CCC activists remain in remand and their bail application will continue this Thursday, June 20.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Amnesty International Demand Immediate Release Of Detained 77 CCC Activists

More than 20 people were seriously injured when police officers descended on a gathering of more than 70 opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party activists at the home of party leader Jameson Timba in Harare on Sunday afternoon.
Police said the CCC activists were holding an unsanctioned gathering in contravention of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200028455/police-in-violent-crackdown-against-ccc-20-seriously-injured">NewsDay</a> reported sources as saying at least three of the activists require attention from orthopaedic doctors, while more than five fractured their hands in the melee.
79 people, including Timba and his son, were arrested. The people were separately put in cells at different police stations, with 58 young activists placed at Harare Central Police Station, while more than 20 were detained at Avondale Police Station.
The activists’ lawyer Agency Gumbo claimed that more than 20 party supporters were injured. He said:
<blockquote>
We have more than 20 people that have been confirmed injured by doctors, but the injuries are not severe.
We have people like Jameson Timba, who has a bit of semi-serious injuries because he had a swollen elbow which he got after being beaten by riot police.
We had our doctors come. The doctors looked at them, but obviously because of detention, we can only then be able to have proper X-rays done on them after they are released tomorrow [Tuesday].
</blockquote>
Gumbo said when police officers pounced on Timba’s house, they ordered party activists to jump into a swimming pool. He said:
<blockquote>
The police arrived at a private residence, at Senator Timba’s residence. When the riot entered, they started asking people to jump into the swimming pool.
This was done regardless of what they had in their pockets, with some having cellphones in their pockets. Everyone was just commanded to jump into the swimming pool.
</blockquote>
Some party officials and loyalists had to bring blankets for their colleagues to reduce the impact of the cold night in cells. Said Gumbo:
<blockquote>
So that is what was happening. When they arrived at the holding cells, everyone was wet because they had been forced to jump into the pool, which is unethical.
The police arrived and threw tear gas, after that they fired guns in the air.
After that, they bundled everyone and said jump into the swimming pool. We made sure they had blankets.
Of course, that was detention but when we did interviews we made sure everyone had blankets and slept in a proper holding cell. But the people were brutalised.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Monday confirmed the arrest of Timba and the other opposition activists. He said:
<blockquote>
I can confirm that 70 suspects were arrested at Jameson Timba’s house in Harare for conducting an unsanctioned gathering.
During the arrests, they became violent and started throwing stones at the police officers. Reinforcements were later called in.
</blockquote>
According to Gumbo, the CCC activists were attending a private meeting to commemorate the June 16 Youth Day at Timba’s house.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Several CCC Activists Injured As Police Break Up Youth Day Event

The family of a former police officer, Stanlake Ipela, shot dead by police in Zezani, Beitbridge last week wants the officers behind his killing arrested.
Police say Ipela refused to stop at a roadblock, but his family are convinced he was shot dead in cold blood. The family believes the shooting was only motivated by malice.
An internal memo from police at the scene to their superiors indicates there was nothing of police interest found in the car after Ipela was shot dead.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the incident is under investigation and a statement will be issued soon.
A family spokesman, who spoke to New Ziana, said:
<blockquote>
What other explanation is there? He was shot in the back by a powerful gun. He is accused of failing to stop at a roadblock, but who has ever seen a roadblock on a rural road far away from a police station? Why did they not disable the vehicle? We believe this is murder.
</blockquote>
The family wrote a letter to the police, asking several questions relating to the shooting.
It is alleged that the late Ipela had his brains splattered in the car. Part of his face was blown off by the bullet fired from close range through the back of his head.
The officers at the scene said they suspected him of carrying livestock in the kombi he was driving.
The family’s letter served on the Beitbridge Police District clerk’s office, copied to the Commissioner of Police Godwin Matanga and the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe, also asked why the officer who killed Ipela was not charged with murder. It reads in part:
<blockquote>
We register the above complaint of Ipela S. He is our relative shot in cold blood by police. This is our view, having seen the attitude and manner in which police were evasive. We, as a family, have several questions begging for answers.
</blockquote>
The family reportedly visited the scene where Ipela was shot dead and they performed rituals. Reads the letter:
<blockquote>
We have been to the scene and asked villagers. There was no roadblock as is explained in your police memo we have seen.
We also question what threat to life, police or property our brother posed to deserve death. Considering there were so many people in the minibus as about 10 claimed by what is in the memo, why did the police not catch any or shoot another person?
There are five phones left in the car belonging to people who were with our brother, why has it taken police this long to communicate with them in this era of technology? Why was he shot in the back and why was such force necessary?
</blockquote>
The family also asked why it took so long for police to hand them papers to transport Ipela to Marondera where he is expected to be laid to rest. Says the letter:
<blockquote>
Lastly, we are, with this communication making an official report of the murder of Ipela by whoever shot him.
</blockquote>
Ipela was once employed by the ZRP at Beitbridge and was married to a local woman, Sinikiwe Ndlovu and lived with his wife and children at Lutumba in Beitbridge.
He becomes the second man from the district to be shot by police in unclear circumstances.
A well-known tout at Lutumba, Abel Gumbo, was shot dead by police on suspicions of being an armed robber in June 2021. However, the claim has been dismissed but no arrest was made.
Like Ipela, Gumbo was married and left behind a child and a widow.
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/family-of-ex-cop-shot-dead-for-failing-to-stop-at-roadblock-presses-murder-charge/">ZimLive</a>, the alleged killer cops unknowingly approached Gumbo’s sangoma aunt seeking help against avenging spirits but she refused to assist them.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former Police Officer Shot Dead At Police Roadblock, His Family Presses Murder Charge

A Harare man who had been arrested as a theft suspect later developed urinary problems after he was allegedly assaulted by Criminal Investigations Department (CID) detectives while he was in their custody.
As reported by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/cops-bash-theft-suspect-victim-develops-urinary-problems/">ZimLive</a>, the complainant who has not been named in court papers, filed an assault report against the detectives claiming the abuse caused him some problems with his urinary system. He claimed he often passes blood in his urine following the assault.
The accused are Criminal Investigations Department (CID) detectives, Wellington Kurai Mlambo (43), and Gracious Selemani, (35), both stationed at Braeside police in Harare.
Mlambo and Selemani appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo who granted them US$100 bail each.
The two are also facing another charge of criminal abuse of office as public officers.
They will be back in court on 18 March for their routine remand.
Their two accomplices only identified as Wagoneka and Chidhakwa are still on the run.
According to court papers, the four came across the complainant in Mbare and accused him of receiving stolen property.
The complainant denied the allegations before the officers took him to the station while assaulting him, forcing him to admit the allegations. Reads the court papers:
<blockquote>
The accused demanded money for the release of the complainant and he advised them that he had US$150 at home.
The complainant’s brother, Isaac Mutsura was assigned to wait with the money at Mbare Musika Taxi Rank.
</blockquote>
It is further alleged that at around noon, the four escorted the complainant to the taxi rank and met Mutsura.
Upon arrival, they ordered him to get into their vehicle and handcuffed him together with the complainant.
The officers also alleged that Mutsura was a receiver of stolen property.
The complainant later handed over US$150 to Selemani, but after getting the bribe, the four then demanded a US$15 fine, claiming that it was for failure to maintain a second-hand goods register.
The State further alleges that after agreeing that the police officers would take the US$15 from the US$150, the four then agreed to let the complainant and his brother free.
The complainant discovered that he was injured in his privates after he left the police station.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Victim Of Police Brutality Develops Urinary Problems

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the police for setting dogs at protesting learners from St Faith’s High School in Rusape, Makoni District in Manicaland Province, and described the incident as unacceptable and inhumane.
Learners at the Anglican church-run school were protesting authorities’ decision to impose a US$600 mission fund on each student starting this term when police officers unleashed their dogs last Wednesday.
In a short video clip of the incident, which went viral on social media, learners were seen scampering for safety after one of the learners was mauled by the canine.
Reacting to the incident, ARTUZ criticised the police as well as school authorities for the way they handled the demonstration. It said:
<blockquote>
The authorities went even further by hiring the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who deployed police dogs to attack innocent souls.
This is nothing short of a crime scene and a grave violation of human rights. The authorities’ response to this demonstration was inhumane and unacceptable.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ demanded a thourough investigation into the incident and to ensure those responsible for the mayhem are held accountable. It said:
<blockquote>
We strongly condemn the reprehensible actions of the authorities at St Faiths Mission School and the State, who unleashed dogs on peacefully demonstrating school children for their right to education.
This incident is a clear reflection of bad economic management and highlights the need for the government to take immediate action to address the deteriorating state of the economy.
We call on the government to investigate this incident thoroughly, hold those responsible accountable, and take immediate steps to address the economic mismanagement that has led to such dire circumstances.
It is the government’s duty to protect its citizens and ensure their well-being, and failure to do so demonstrates a dereliction of responsibility.
</blockquote>
On Thursday, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education issued a statement saying normalcy had returned to the school.
Tension had been building up at the school for weeks and last week an Anglican priest allegedly assaulted a man with a disability who was seeking an audience with the school administration.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Rural Teachers Slam Police For Setting Dogs On Learners

Amnesty International Zimbabwe has condemned Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers’ conduct during a demonstration by St Faith High School learners on Wednesday, 14 February.
At least 800 learners from St Faith’s Mission School marched for close to 13km to the Rusape Education District Office demonstrating against their school’s responsible authority the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland.
One of the police officers who was deployed to control the situation then unleashed a dog on the learners, sending the children scampering for safety.
In a post on X, Amnesty International Zimbabwe highlighted that peaceful protest is a human right and urged authorities to respect, facilitate and protect this right. It said:
<blockquote>
We strongly condemn [Zimbabwe Republic Police] conduct at St Faith High in Rusape today, where a police officer set a dog on learners who were protesting against a US$600 fee hike. Peaceful protest is a human right. Authorities must respect, facilitate and protect this right.
</blockquote>
The protest by learners followed a stand-off between the church, the school authorities and parents over the payment of a US$600 mission fund.
After holding an interactive session with Makoni District Acting Schools Inspector, Mr Tambama and Mr Mukorera from the Public Service Commission, the St Faith’s High learners were then addressed by their school head Arnold Makamba at Makoni District Education offices in Rusape.
It is not yet clear why police details unleashed dogs on schoolchildren and also the extent of the injuries suffered by the learners.
The ZRP has since released a statement saying it is conducting a full inquiry into the incident and that full details about the incident will be released once investigations are completed.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Amnesty International Condemns Zimbabwe Police Brutality During St Faith High Students' March

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that it has launched a full investigation into the tragic death of a 26-year-old Banket man inside police holding cells.
David Kanyenze died after he was reportedly assaulted viciously by three unnamed special constabulary details, commonly known as Neighbourhood Watch Committee (NWCs) members.
ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/police-brutality-victims-body-awaits-postmortem-we-wont-sweep-anything-under-the-carpet-says-zrp/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> that Kanyenze’s death is currently under investigation. He said:
<blockquote>
There are a number of issues we need to clarify as ZRP command… It’s a matter we are currently investigating as we await postmortem results which will also guide our investigations.
But l can assure you, it is an issue we are seriously looking into so that we really establish what transpired, from the arrests, we are looking at all the events leading to the unfortunate death.
We will not sweep anything under the carpet. We will be very open and objective in our investigations, that l want to assure the public.
</blockquote>
A postmortem by a pathologist is expected to be conducted in Harare on 09 November at the earliest.
However, the now deceased’s elder brother, Brian Kanyenze, told NewZimbabwe.com that as a family, they are worried that ZRP might distort the true account of events to protect its members. He said:
<blockquote>
As l was trying to report a murder case at Banket Police Station, l overheard some police officers conniving to distort the true version of how things went by, including lying that my brother was intoxicated.
We don’t think this matter will be handled competently and fairly as already there are indicators no one within ZRP really wants to take the blame, but they prefer to protect one another.
</blockquote>
Kanyenze, who was a tout for pirate taxis plying the Banket—Chinhoyi route, was arrested on allegations of malicious damage to property but later escaped from lawful custody.
He was re-arrested on Friday last week by members of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee who took him to Banket Police Station where they assaulted him and stomped on his neck and chest before leaving him bloodied and in agony.
Other cell inmates reportedly raised alarm after sensing Kanyenze was having difficulties in breathing.
He was then ferried to Banket District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Brutality Victim’s Body Awaits Postmortem

Three members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) special constabulary allegedly fatally assaulted a suspect to death inside holding cells at Banket Police Station.
<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/police-brutality-exposed-after-suspect-is-tortured-dies-in-custody/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> reported sources as saying that the three ZRP Neighbourhood Watch Committee (NWC) members in question took turns to beat up David Kanyenze (26) on Friday last week using unidentified objects.
One of the constabularies allegedly stomped the suspect twice on the neck, thereby choking him.
The now-deceased’s older brother, Brian Kanyenze, expressed anger and grief over his sibling’s death. He said:
<blockquote>
I am deeply hurt. Even if he was a vagabond, he didn’t deserve to die in this manner. He was young, aged only 26, and at that age to err is expected he could have gone to jail for his offense and come out a reformed person.
As relatives, we were never informed about our brother’s arrest, assault and later admission to hospital.
We demand justice against the killers because we are fully aware of attempts to cover up the murder.
</blockquote>
The now deceased was a tout for pirate taxis plying the Banket—Chinhoyi route.
It is said that he was wanted by police for malicious damage to property after allegedly destroying a weighing scale at a butchery at Kuwadzana shopping centre in Banket.
The butchery equipment was damaged more than three weeks ago in an altercation between workers at an adjacent canteen and Kanyenze.
Kanyenze had allegedly refused to pay for food complaining it was poorly cooked.
He was subsequently arrested and taken to Banket Police Station where he was thrown into cells but later escaped from lawful custody.
Kanyeze was rearrested on Friday last week at Kuwadzana shops by NWC members and, again, taken to the station, where they started beating him up around 5 PM.
After viciously assaulting the victim, the constabularies abandoned him in the cell battling for his life.
Other cell inmates reportedly raised alarm after sensing Kanyenze was having difficulties in breathing.
He was then ferried to Banket District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Kanyenze’s relatives reportedly blocked the police from opening a sudden death docket (SDD) in a bid to conceal the murder.
His relatives have demanded a full investigation into the suspected gruesome killing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Victim Of Police Brutality Dies In Custody

Police reportedly arrested eight CCC Chiredzi members at Tshovani Stadium on Wednesday where the opposition party’s leader, Nelson Chamisa, was scheduled to conduct a campaign rally.
According to <a href="https://changeradiozimbabwe.com/2023/07/05/eight-ccc-chiredzi-members-arrested-at-tshovani-stadium/">Change Radio</a>, eight CCC members (one female and seven males) were taken to Chiredzi Police Station where they were detained.
The eight are Farai Chauke, Kudzanai Madyira, Charles Mungati, Gladmore Gunguwo, Shonhai Mollen, Loyd Mucharu, Agrippa Dhambureni, and Simon Hlomani.
Commenting on the ban on the CCC rally, Chiredzi Mugwazo cluster leader, one Mugidho, said:
<blockquote>
We are highly disappointed by police brutality and the reason for stopping our Presidential rally. ZANU PF is campaigning without any police disruptions.
</blockquote>
Human rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri was tasked with assisting the CCC members in securing their freedom.
CCC Chiredzi Central’s aspiring member of parliament, Ropafadzo Makumire, condemned the arrest of CCC members saying they did not provoke the police. He said:
<blockquote>
The arrest of our peaceful and law-abiding CCC members breaches citizens’ bill of rights, particularly the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, as well as political participation…
Asthmatic residents have been greatly affected. A child from the community has been hospitalized because of tear gas exposure.
Even those who were not part of the rally suffered from the careless behavior of the police.
</blockquote>
Police officers fired tear gas to disperse CCC members who had gathered at Tshovani stadium for Chamisa’s rally.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Eight CCC Members In Chiredzi Arrested After Rally Ban

A man from Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo has been hospitalised at Mpilo Central Hospital after he was shot in the thigh by police officers who were chasing an armed robbery suspect.
An eyewitness, Tedious Masina, told <a href="https://cite.org.zw/man-sustains-injuries-in-police-shooting/">CITE</a> that Nkazimulo Ndimande was injured by a stray bullet from shots that were being fired by the police officers on Friday around 8 PM. Said Masina:
<blockquote>
It was around 8 PM. We were inside the barbershop when there was a commotion outside.
We heard a gunshot, and then a second one followed shortly after. People were running all over and screaming.
A total of four shots were fired during the incident.
Ndimande then went outside to see what was happening. A third shot was fired. He came back inside and that was when I saw that he had been shot in the thigh.
I tied him with a cable of one of my scissors and called an ambulance.
</blockquote>
Masina said as they waited for the ambulance to arrive, he saw some police officers going to their cars that were parked adjacent to the barbershop. He said:
<blockquote>
I saw the cops approaching their cars. They had two of them, a white Toyota Fortuner and a Honda Fit. I called them and told them they had shot my friend.
They carried him into the Fortuner and took us to Bulawayo West Hospital, a surgery that is at the (Cowdray Park) terminus.
They told us they were from Homicide. They then called other officers from Cowdray Park police base and they came to the surgery.
They are the ones who paid all the bills for the expenses incurred. The ambulance later arrived and took Ndimande to Mpilo.
When we got to Mpilo, we saw different police officers from the ones we had initially interacted with.
They ordered us to leave the room. They had a big book with them. When they came to us they said Ndimande was on their wanted list for a case of armed robbery.
They had already cuffed him to the bed and left one officer to guard him. What we could not understand was how they came to that conclusion.
Ndimande is not someone who is of such behaviour. We know him and he cannot be associated with armed robbery.
</blockquote>
Ndimande’s sibling said they were shocked as a family to see him handcuffed and to hear that he was an armed robber.
Meanwhile, in a statement, ZRP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Ndimande was part of a four-man gang that was being chased for armed robbery.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Man Accidentally Shot By Cops, Later Arrested In Hospital For Armed Robbery

A 38-year-old man from Sojini, Mbembesi was shot in the left shoulder by a police officer last week.
The shooting incident reportedly occurred at the Mbembesi Police Station’s canteen after a fight erupted among revellers who were regular patrons.
The victim, Raymond Mkhomaza, is currently admitted at United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) where he is receiving treatment.
Speaking to CITE’s <a href="https://cite.org.zw/man-shot-by-cop-at-mbembesi-police-station-canteen/">Senzeni Ncube</a> on Friday, Mkhomaza said the bullet was still lodged inside his body. He said:
<blockquote>
The incident occurred on Sunday around 5 am. We were drinking at the police canteen, we usually drink there as villagers and commotion erupted and we started fighting as patrons.
The police on duty came carrying a gun and headed straight to me as I was also fighting and in that commotion he pushed me, making me turn and he shot me.
I went to the charge office to report that I have been shot. I have spent six days here and the bullet is still inside.
I still have to go for an X-ray as the doctor said the bullet missed my heart, and I have a lot of air inside.
</blockquote>
Matabeleland North Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the incident to CITE but said the victim was part of a group that was deemed a threat as they were armed with “offensive weapons”. Said Banda:
<blockquote>
It happened in Mbembesi of course, I know the story. It’s been a while since it happened, it is not a new thing.
What happened was that these guys were found in the early morning hours at Mbembesi police canteen, they were holding some knobkerries and other offensive weapons.
Whatever they were carrying suggested that they were up to some evil because there is a history of theft at the canteen.
When they were asked what they were doing, they said “we are not afraid of your gun” and started advancing towards the policeman.
</blockquote>
Banda said the policeman fired two warning shots but the men continued advancing towards him. He said:
<blockquote>
The policeman had no option, then the other man was shot in the shoulder.
The next morning, the man who was shot in the shoulder showed up at the police station, saying he sustained an injury and was arrested.
</blockquote>
Insp. Banda denied claims that Mkhomaza was drinking with other patrons when he was shot. He said:
<blockquote>
That was not the time to drink and drinking has nothing to do with carrying knobkerries. You don’t need a knobkerrie to drink, you only need your money.
You don’t need weapons if you are about to drink, and if you are drinking it doesn’t mean you advance towards the policeman and try to attack him.
That incident has nothing to do with drinking.
</blockquote>
Police have in the past banned the carrying of dangerous weapons that include catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, or daggers in order to curb violent crime.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Man Shot By A Police Officer At Mbembesi Police Station Canteen

The family of a Bulawayo man who was shot dead by a senior police officer on 01 January 2007 has revived its quest for justice.
The victim, Artwell Magagada, was employed as a cashier at Chicken Inn along Leopold Takawira Avenue and had just knocked off from work on the day he was shot by Superintendent Milos Moyo.
Superintendent Moyo, then the officer commanding police camps in Bulawayo and stationed at ZRP Stops Camp, was charged with culpable homicide following the fatal shooting.
His trial started three years later in 2010. He pleaded not guilty to the murder of Artwell before Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi.
Artwell’s brother, Charles Magagada on Wednesday told Sunday <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200007335/police-shooting-victims-family-seeks-justice">Southern Eye</a> that the family was not happy with the way his brother’s case was handled by authorities. He said:
<blockquote>
He was tragically shot dead and we received no apology from the accused, who was even found guilty by our courts.
To add salt to the wound, the top cop was fined US$500 sometime in 2010 and we got nothing.
While we believe he had no intention to kill my brother, just a word of apology could have gone a long way in appeasing us but absolutely no apology came.
Secondly, we thought government, since he’s their employee who caused the death of our departed brother, would institute some compensation, but there was no concern on their part.
As a family, we want justice for our brother.
</blockquote>
Prosecutors said on 1 January 2007, Supt Moyo discharged his service firearm at a crowd of revellers who were celebrating New Year’s Day at Chicken Inn.
One of the bullets from Moyo’s Smith and Wesson CZ pistol allegedly hit Magagada in the head.
Magagada died after spending four days on a life support system at Mater Dei Hospital, with the bullet still lodged in his head.
In his defence, Moyo, who was represented by Tanaka Muganyi, denied the possibility of his gunshots having injured Artwell.
He claimed that the deceased was not in his line of fire, adding that his gunshots were aimed at the wheels of a South African Isuzu truck.
Moyo alleged that he observed the driver of the truck pulling out a black pistol and cocking it.
In 2008, the Magagada family with the help of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights sued then Home Affairs minister Kembo Mohadi and Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri over Artwell’s death.
The Magagada family was demanding ZWL$$20 billion in damages, but the case collapsed.

Family Of Chicken Inn Cashier Shot Dead By Top Cop Seeks Justice

Zimbabwe has been ranked as one of the worst-governed countries in Africa by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. 
The organisation claimed that Zimbabwe was failing to advance political diversity, a free civil society, and free and fair elections, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006648/zim-ranks-lowly-on-good-governance">NewsDay</a>.
Zimbabwe is ranked 29th out of 55 nations in the just published 2022 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), which measures how well each nation is run.
The only country in the SADC region ranked lower than Zimbabwe is the Kingdom of Eswatini, which is ranked 35.
Botswana sits at number five, South Africa at number six, Zambia 24 and Mozambique sits at number 26.
Zimbabwe scored badly on political and civil liberties where it was given the following scores:
<blockquote>
a). 12.5% on freedom of association, 
b). 26.9% on political pluralism, 
c). 14.1% on civil society space and 
d). 31.3% on democratic elections.
</blockquote>
On a positive note, Zimbabwe scored 100% in terms of laws that protect women from violence.
The 2022 IIAG showed that governance in Africa has stagnated since 2019 due to democratic backsliding, climate change, insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation said the stagnation posed a serious threat to the continent’s decades of progress.
The research comes barely a month after the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute released another report showing a shrinking democratic space in the post-Robert Mugabe era.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Ranked Among The Worst-Governed Countries In Africa

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has refuted reports claiming that lawyer Kudzayi Kadzere was assaulted by police officers whilst attending to some members of the opposition CCC who were arrested and detained at Budiriro 2 Police Station on Saturday, 14 January 2023.
In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Kadzere jumped off a moving police vehicle and sustained injuries. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>CLARITY BY THE ZIMBABWE REPUBLIC POLICE ON ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT ON LAWYER, KUDZAYI KADZERE</h2>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to set the record straight and clarify the exact position with regards to allegations of assault on lawyer, Kudzayi Kadzere by police officers.
It is a fact that the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s Costa Machingauta convened an unsanctioned gathering at house number 9293 Mvumba Crescent, Budiriro 5A, Harare.
The local Zimbabwe Republic Police station received information and reacted to the scene.
Police Officers observed that nearly 500 supporters had gathered for the meeting clad in their party regalia.
The supporters had blocked Mvumba Crescent, Dehwe Road, Magodo Road and Budiriro OK Rank.
This affected the movement of motorists and other members of the public who wanted to pass through.
The police officers engaged Costa Machingauta to disperse the supporters. 
However, there was open resistance, with supporters chanting obscene and derogatory songs to the police officers.
In the process, the CCC youths went on to damage the doors of a certain house as they resisted arrest and allegedly stole a cellphone.
Twenty-four supporters were arrested. Costa Machingauta escaped arrest and later on handed himself to the police on 18th January 2023.
Suddenly Kudzayi Kadzere appeared on the scene in a private vehicle and clashed with the Police Reaction Group members who were taking the suspects to Budiriro Police Station.
Kudzayi Kadzere was then arrested for contravening section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. He was then put in the police truck.
In a bid to resist arrest, Kudzayi Kadzere jumped off the police truck. He sustained an injury on the right hand.
Police officers rearrested Kudzayi Kadzere and took him to Budiriro Police Station.
On arrival at the police station Kudzayi Kadzere openly declined to lodge a report against police officers.
He insisted that he was not assaulted by the police officers during the misunderstanding. Kadzere was then released to seek medical attention.
On the 15th of January 2023, Kudzayi Kadzere came back to Budiriro Police Station and had his warned and cautioned statement recorded.
On 17th January 2023, Kudzayi Kadzere changed his mind. He made a report of assault and theft at Budiriro Police Station.
This is despite the fact that he had initially declined to make a police report on the 14th of January 2023. The case is now under investigation.
It is clear that the information given to CCC members and later posted on social media platforms is tailor-made to suit a certain agenda whilst ignoring the real facts on the ground.
Kudzayi Kadzere knows the truth about what actually transpired between him and the police officers.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has engaged Kudzayi Kadzere from 14th January 2023 up to the time he decided to change his mind.
The public should take note that, what Kudzayi Kadzere said to the police and the information which he is allegedly giving to the media, his peers and CCC leadership are not consistent.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reaffirms its readiness to interact and engage members of the legal fraternity in an open and transparent manner without facts being twisted to suit various agendas.
</blockquote>

Zimbabwe Police Deny Assaulting Lawyer, Say He Jumped Off Moving Vehicle

The SADC Lawyers Association (SADC-LA) has condemned the brutal assault of Zimbabwe lawyer Kudzai Kadzere by police officers on Saturday, 14 January.
Kadzere was assaulted by the police in Harare while attending to Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) organising secretary Amos Chibaya and some 24 party activists who had earlier been arrested for holding an unsanctioned meeting in Budiriro.
In a statement signed by SADC-LA CEO Stanley Nyamanhindi, the lawyers urged the Zimbabwean government to ensure that the rights of citizens are upheld at all times. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
1. SADC-LA deeply regrets and strongly condemns the attack on lawyer Mr Kudzai Kadzere in Harare, Zimbabwe by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on the 14th of January 2023.
2. On the said date, Mr Kadzere was representing his clients who are members of a political party in Zimbabwe and he was acting within the scope of his mandate as a licenced legal practitioner of the courts of Zimbabwe. The right to legal representation is guaranteed in the constitution of Zimbabwe.
3. The perpetration of violence by police on an unarmed civilian acting in a professional capacity to uphold the constitutional rights of other citizens presents the highest level of disregard for the rule of law.
4. SADC-LA implores the Government of Zimbabwe and the responsible Ministers to swiftly ensure the protection of lawyers and other key stakeholders such as journalists in the discharge of their mandate. Further, to hold to account those responsible for the unsanctioned violation of Mr Kadzere and his clients’ constitutionally enshrined rights.
5. The acute escalation of violence in a period shortly preceding a crucial election for Zimbabwe warrants deep concern. SADC-LA calls on SADC and the AU to provide swift and adequate support to the Government of Zimbabwe, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a neutral environment for the enforcement and enjoyment of all human rights.
6. This is in accordance with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers as well as Zimbabwe’s own constitution.
</blockquote>

SADC Lawyers Association Condemn Assault Of Human Rights Lawyer By Police In Harare

A police officer based in Bulawayo on Monday shot and killed an unarmed man who was a suspect in a domestic violence case.
The man, Thembani Dube, was fleeing from the police when he was shot in the back of the head.
The incident took place in Bulawayo’s Phelandaba West suburb around 4 PM.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/police-fatally-shoot-unarmed-fleeing-man-in-the-head/">CITE</a> reported eyewitnesses as saying the now-deceased had an altercation with his wife who resides in Cowdray Park.
The woman reported the matter to the police and the police tracked down Dube to Phelandaba West where he was said to be visiting a friend intending to arrest him.
Assistant Inspector Zimbeva, who was armed, attempted to arrest Dube but he reportedly fled.
Zimbeva then reportedly opened fire and shot Dube in the back of his head.
Eyewitnesses said Dube staggered a few metres and collapsed next to a pile of bricks at a house under construction.
An ambulance was immediately summoned and Dube was pronounced dead at the scene.
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations were underway. He said:
<blockquote>
We are conducting investigations into the incident. We are told he was trying to effect an arrest then suddenly there was a shootout.
That is why I am saying we are conducting investigations with a view to finding the full circumstances behind the unfortunate incident.
</blockquote>

Unarmed Domestic Violence Suspect Shot Dead While Fleeing Arrest

A teenager from Chitungwiza has sued ZRP Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage minister Kazembe Kazembe for damages amounting to US$15 000 after he was shot and injured by police officers who were pursuing a robbery suspect.
Tashinga Mugwara (19) was accidentally shot at a fuel station at Taita Shops in Chitungwiza by police officers on 27 June.
The bullet went through his lower body, resulting in his suffering severe abdominal injuries.
Mugwara’s lawyer, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) submitted:
<blockquote>
Mugwara will potentially suffer from adhesive bowel obstruction in future as a result of the injuries he sustained owing to the unwarranted shooting by ZRP officers.
… Mugwara was unarmed and had not threatened the law enforcement agents in any way which justified their resort to severe force.
Chinopfukutwa said Mugwara suffered damages amounting to US$5 000 for pain and suffering, US$5 000 for contumelia and affront to dignity as well as US$5 000 for future medical expenses.
</blockquote>
Mugwara is also claiming payment of US$183 and $24 351 for medical expenses which he incurred following the shooting. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/local-news/article/200002070/police-shooting-victim-sues-matanga">The Standard</a>

Police Shooting Victim Demands US$15 000 Compensation

A Zimbabwean national was violently assaulted by South African police officers near Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria recently.
A video of the incident has been shared by Yusuf Abramjee on the microblogging site Twitter.
The brutal assault elicited contrasting responses, with some commentators saying Abramjee should have provided the context, while others applauded the South African police for upholding the rule of law.
<a href="https://twitter.com/Abramjee/status/1435156299860385794?s=20">Watch the video below:</a>
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 232px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="424" id="video-213972-1" preload="metadata" width="232"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/South-African-police-assault-Zimbabwean-man.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/South-African-police-assault-Zimbabwean-man.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/South-African-police-assault-Zimbabwean-man.mp4</a></video></div>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

WATCH: Zimbabwean Man Brutally Assaulted By Cops In South Africa

A woman whose baby was reportedly struck dead by a baton-wielding police officer in Harare early this month has finally broken her silence about the incident.
In a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation Television (ZBCtv) broadcast aired on Tuesday night, the woman was identified as Rebecca Musariri.
In a video clip extracted from the ZBCtv broadcast, the woman says she is fine and the baby is fine too. Musariri added that the baby was not hit with a baton by a police officer but some glass fragments from a vehicle fell onto the child.
The video that went viral early this year shows a woman tightly grabbing the neck of a uniformed police officer with one hand while the other holds onto a seemingly motionless baby, yelling at the officer that he had killed the child.
The video has since been used by authorities to clamp down on the opposition MDC Alliance, with the party’s spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere and vice-chairperson Job Sikhala, as well as freelance journalist Hopewell Chin’ono arrested and detained for allegedly sharing the video which was posted on social media by thousands of people.
Below is the video clip from the ZBCtv broadcast:
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="352" id="video-193185-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ZBC.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ZBC.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ZBC.mp4</a></video></div>
Some commentators have, however, cast doubt on the identity of the woman, with some arguing that the person interviewed by ZBCtv is not the woman who alleged that a police officer had killed her baby in the video that went viral. Renowned journalist <a href="https://twitter.com/zenzele/status/1349096932275343361" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zenzele Ndebele tweeted</a>:
<blockquote>Video was edited on 0.49 sec. Something is missing where she is narrating about nyaya yakaitika then it’s joined 0:51 when she says…irikufamba pasocial media.</blockquote>

Watch: Woman Whose Baby Was 'Fatally Struck' By Police Baton Speaks

<blockquote>A ZIMBABWEAN court on Friday 17 January 2020 acquitted Doubt Asima, a freelance journalist, who had been on trial on charges of committing public violence after he was arrested when he tried to rescue an elderly woman, who had been assaulted by some <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)</a> officers during an anti-government protest held in August last year.
Asima, a 29-year-old freelance journalist had been on trial after he was arrested on Friday 16 August 2019 and charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
During the trial before Harare Magistrate Richard Ramaboea, prosecutors claimed that Asima and his co-accused Fabian Mushunga, aged 29 years, forcibly disturbed the peace, security, or order of the public by participating in a public demonstration held on Friday 16 August 2019 in Harare.
Prosecutors claimed that Asima and Mushunga, who were represented by Jeremiah Bamu and Tinomuda Shoko of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Lawyers_for_Human_Rights" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights</a>, allegedly engaged in acts of public violence by barricading some streets in central Harare with stones and boulders and also threw stones at some police officers thereby disturbing the free movement of members of the public and some vehicles.
In his defence, Asima argued that his arrest and prosecution stems from malice and was a result of a desire by ZRP officers to conceal evidence of their wanton assaults and brutality against innocent citizens as one of them had approached and ordered him to stop taking photographs.
The freelance journalist stated that as a journalist, he was acting in the scope of his professional trade, gathering newsworthy photographs and he took pictures of some ZRP officers assaulting civilians at Africa Unity Square in Harare.
Asima said he noticed an elderly woman who had fallen down in the resultant stampede and rendered her assistance before continuing with his job. It was at this point that police officers approached him and ordered him to delete the photographs he was taking.
However, when Asima refused to delete the photographs, he was immediately arrested by ZRP officers and his protestations that he was a photo-journalist accredited by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Media_Commission" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Media Commission</a> was not entertained by the law enforcement agents.
In his defence, Mushunga said he was arrested by ZRP officers when he was on his way to his place of residence in Cranborne suburb after collecting various mobile phone handsets from her relative in Belvedere suburb for repair.
Mushunga said he had no knowledge of any demonstration scheduled for Friday 16 August 2019 and was subjected to a stop and seizure by ZRP officers who asked him to produce his national identity document, which he did not have on person.
Thereafter, Mushunga was asked to sit down as he had no copy of his national identity document on person and was bundled into a police truck with other persons whom he did not know and taken to Harare Central Police Station, where he was subsequently advised of his charge.
On Friday 17 January 2020, Magistrate Ramaboea acquitted Asima and Mushunga after granting their application for discharge at the close of the prosecution case, which had been lodged by their lawyers, who had argued that their clients had not committed any offence and must not be put to their defence.
ENDS
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights</blockquote>

Good Samaritan Photo-journalist Acquitted Of Public Violence Charges {Full Text}

The video shows police in smashing cars with batons and beating pedestrians at the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ximex_Mall">Ximex Mall</a> spot in Harare. The spot is known for being home to dealers in gadgets and forex. According to the person that apparently took the footage, this incident happened on Saturday – presumably the 24th of August 2019.
It is not clear yet why the police descended on the place.
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<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="640" id="video-123706-1" preload="metadata" width="352"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ximex-Police-Smash-Cars-August-2019.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ximex-Police-Smash-Cars-August-2019.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ximex-Police-Smash-Cars-August-2019.mp4</a></video></div>

WATCH: Police Beat People, Smash Cars at Ximex In Harare

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An undated video of a man being brutalised by the police has emerged and is circulating on social media. It’s not clear when the video was shot and what had caused the incident.
What is clear however is that the video was shot in Zimbabwe as the people in the video, both the police and the victim, are both speaking in the vernacular Shona.

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