10 MDC supporters arrested, 2 teenagers gang-raped and 70 flee political violence in Mutare West

By Violet Gonda
11 December 2006

The opposition in Manicaland province allege politically motivated violence broke out in Mutare West last Thursday, resulting in more than 70 MDC supporters fleeing their home and several arrests. Pishai Muchauraya, the spokesperson for the Tsvangirai MDC in Manicaland said all those arrested were victims who had gone to report the assault at Odzi Police Station.

It’s reported that more than 80 ZANU PF youths went door-to-door assaulting villagers believed to be from the opposition. The MDC allege the youths were first seen drinking at Gorowa Business Centre in Mutare West. “After drinking beer and singing they moved from one village to another beating MDC supporters and so far we have 70 people who have been displaced. And 10 of them have been arrested when they went to Odzi police station to report the thuggery and assault that is taking place within the area.”

It’s reported that some of those in custody need medical attention including an asthmatic woman and 3 people with broken front teeth. Muchauraya says the victims have not been charged and have not appeared in court although they have been in detention since last Thursday.

Of the 70 that have fled to the city of Mutare , 2 teenagers are said to have been gang raped. Although the perpetrators are known the police in Mutare have reportedly refused to take action.

Muchauraya claims Odzi police are conniving with the perpetrators. He said; “The Officer in Charge, Inspector Chogugudza – the one who used to terrorise Roy Bennett at Charleswood is authorising some green bombers, some militia to control of the charge office.” He alleges the green bombers are actually detaining people at the police station.

The spokesperson added; “We reported this case to the Officer Commanding Mutare Rural District, we also reported the case to the Officer Commanding Manicaland Assistant Commissioner Mpofu, then we also reported the matter to the Officer Commanding Manicaland Chief Superintendent Mutambara, but we have been ignored. No action has been taken. It looks like it’s a ZANU PF affair and legalised thuggery.”

We could not get through to Odzi police and the police in Mutare refused to comment.