Youths assaulted in custody

By Lance Guma
12 August 2005

A Bulawayo magistrate has ordered medical examinations for 12 youths who were arrested by police on Wednesday for taking part in a spontaneous demonstration. This follows revelations by their lawyer, Josphat Tshuma that they were assaulted during both the arrest and subsequent detention at Luveve police station. One female, Sipathokuhle Sibanda sustained a fractured leg after being beaten to the ground by baton wielding riot policemen. Others complained of being assaulted with clenched fists inside the police station. The youths were then moved to Bulawayo's central police station.

Information on the skirmishes came to light when the youths appeared at the Tredgold Magistrates Courts in the city. The twelve have been released on free bail and are set to appear in court on the 26th of August to face charges of blocking traffic under the miscellaneous offences act. Yesterday we reported how eleven youths had been arrested in Emakhandeni after a flyer distribution campaign for the mayoral elections turned into a demonstration by residents. It is then that riot police squads then descended on the procession, firing shots into the air and dispersing the crowds.

The number arrested has since grown to 12 after lawyers made the necessary verifications. Meanwhile the home of MDC District Secretary for Magwegwe-Lobengula, Thabiso Ndlovu, was ransacked by police on Thursday. Police from the law and order section launched what was described as an over-dramatic raid on his house. They went through his personal belongings searching for unknown items then told his frightened wife, 'tell your husband we are looking for him.'

The state media has been running reports suggesting Ndlovu is the master-mind behind Wednesday evening's demonstration.