Zimpapers Logo

occurred in March 2007 where I sustained serious burns,” says Sergeant Pretty Rushwaya; one of two police constables who were badly burnt when suspected MDC-T youths petrol-bombed Marimba Police Station in Harare on March 13, 2007.
Then a spritely 21-year-old, single police constable, Sgt Rushwaya thought her life had been ruined for good.
What with the horrific burns she sustained on her face and all over her body.
Four years down the line, thanks to support from the force, her doctor – who was present during the interview – and family and friends, her life has taken a turn for the better.
Now happily married and a sergeant in the force, Sgt Rushwaya says she is still committed to serving her country but, in apparent reference to the murder of Inspector Petros Mutedza at the hands of suspected MDC-T youths on May 28, she expressed dismay that MDC-T was still hell-bent on attacking law enforcement agents.
Police investigations revealed that the petrol bombs that nearly claimed Sgt Rushwaya’s life were thrown by MDC-T youths at midnight as the constables slept.
Sgt Rushwaya who was a constable then, said it was on a Tuesday midnight when she was awakened by the heat, choking smell and fumes of the two petrol bombs that were thrown into a room she shared with Sgt Busani Moyo, whose account we carry tomorrow.
“I saw a huge ball of fire inside the room and the bed, clothes and property had already caught fire. We were burning.”
She said they then rushed to the door calling for help since they were failing to open the door because the fumes had choked them.
In another room, there was Constable Brenda Makamba who rushed to the door after she heard the noise and the three managed to open the door.
Sgts Rushwaya and Moyo had already sustained serious burns on some parts of their bodies, including their faces.
“My hands and face had been burned. I rushed to dip them in water before I was later ferried to Parirenyatwa Hospital,” Sgt Rushwaya said.
Some police officers at the camp managed to extinguish the fire before discovering that there were two other bottles filled with petrol and sand and tied with a cloth that had been thrown into Sgt Rushwaya’s room but had not exploded.
It was further discovered that the assailants had broken a window and threw the petrol bombs.
“I feel like it happened yesterday or that it is still continuing, although it happened a few years ago.
“The wounds have healed but I can feel that deep inside they haven’t healed. Every time I see the scars, I am reminded about this horrific incident,” she said while sobbing.
Sgt Rushwaya said it was sad to note that officers were continuously being attacked by hooligans, primarily from MDC-T.
“It is very painful for an officer to be involved in such attacks. We are here to protect and serve the law,” she said.
Sgt Rushwaya who is now married and has one child, said her family took the incident as one of those which occur when discharging duties, but some were disturbed.
She was admitted for three months at Parirenyatwa Hospital before being transferred to the force’s hospital where she was admitted for two more weeks.
Sgt Rushwaya bears scars of the petrol-bombing and has been receiving counselling and treatment with the help of the ZRP.
During treatment, she also had to undergo skin grafting since some parts of her body were badly affected by the fire.
Between March 15 and 25, 2007, four police stations in Chitungwiza, Marimba, Sakubva and Gweru were petrol-bombed by suspected MDC-T activists, resulting in serious injuries to two women constables and damage to property.
Police suspected MDC supporters were responsible for both attacks and arrested five suspects in connection with the Gweru attack.
The raiders cut the wire along the northern boundary of Marimba Police Camp and threw petrol bombs and teargas canisters at three houses.
The most serious damage and all the injuries occurred at a house shared by three women constables.
Sergeants Moyo and Rushwaya had their faces seriously burned while Cst Brenda Makamba escaped with less serious burns on the face, chest, legs and arms.
Cst Makamba said they were fast asleep only to be shaken by an explosion and finding the house on fire and filled with teargas.
They shouted for help while forcing the door open.
Police on duty in the charge office rushed to their rescue.
Most of their property was damaged. The other two houses were less badly damaged.
In January this year, the ZRP Women’s Network dona-ted cash and skin oil to Sgts Moyo and Rushwaya.
The women’s network purchased nine Bio Oil and nine Pure Tissue Oil bottles valued at R1 000.
Apart from the lotion, they were also given US$305 each. Chairperson of the ZRP Women’s Network Commissioner Nonkosi Ncube applauded their members for contributing towards the welfare of their collea- gues.
Officer Commanding Administration for Harare Province Assistant Commissioner Angeline Guvamombe, said she was happy that they had finally managed to pool resources for the benefit of the two.
“We have always had these girls in mind and today I am gratified by the love gesture shown by ZRP Women Network and its leadership,” she said.
Sgt Rushwaya said they were grateful to the force and the women’s network for the moral and financial support they received.
“We are pleased with the assistance we have received following the unfortunate incident.
“‘The oil and cash donation will surely go a long way towards our recovery,” she said.
[email protected]