Protesters allege police brutality upon arrest

Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
At least 105 people from Epworth and Mabvuku, who were arrested for demonstrating against police roadblocks earlier this month, yesterday notified the court of their intention to bring video footage of police brutality during their arrest.

Through their lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the protesters told the court that the video footage shows police brutality and torture at the time of their arrest.

The matter was remanded to August 30.

Meanwhile, 11 other protesters who were arrested afterwards were remanded to August 22.

When they first appeared in court, the group complained about the police saying some of them were literally fed to the dogs.

Those injured were sent for treatment.

They are facing public violence charges.

Shaun Bako and 50 others from Ruwa allegedly destroyed property worth $500 000.

Prosecuting, Mr Oscar Madhume alleged that on July 4, police received a tip off that protesters from the Greater Harare Association for Commuter Omnibus were demonstrating in Ruwa.

Police proceeded to the scene and saw the accused ferrying huge boulders using three vehicles.

They allegedly barricaded Mutare highway using huge stones and carrying placards written, “Usapinde mukombi kusvikira maporisa abva muroad,” and “Hatineti kusvikira President abva.”

The police identified the accused who were stoning motorists, stopping commuter omnibus and forcing passengers to disembark.

The mob allegedly stoned the police and damaged their vehicle.

The accused were later rounded and arrested.

It is alleged that Tichaona Chikonya and 53 others from Epworth, barricaded Chiremba Road at Chans Shopping Centre.

They also attacked the police and damaged property worth $1 000.

Kudakwashe Masikati and 10 others are facing the same allegations.

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