MDC activist hospitalised in Chipinge after torture

By Tichaona Sibanda
12 October 2007

A magistrate in Chipinge on Thursday ordered MDC activist Charles Nyathi to be rushed to hospital for treatment after he was badly tortured in police cells. Nyathi is the information secretary for Chipinge.
The 27 year-old self employed Nyathi, who has a wife and small daughter, was arrested on Monday by the police in Chipinge following political disturbances that saw at least 10 MDC supporters sustaining injuries in violence ignited by Zanu-PF councillors.

Nyathi who had visible cuts and abrasions when he appeared in court to answer charges of public violence was later released on Z$500 000 bail. He had some of his front teeth knocked out and is also suspected to have suffered a broken jaw.

The MDC district chairman for Chipinge, Godfrey Chenjerai, said many of the party’s activists are leaving police cells so seriously ill that instead of going home, they have to be taken straight to hospital.
‘The cell conditions were harsh. We have been informed some police officers would laugh off any complaints by Nyathi, and one officer responded by telling him that he deserved nothing better than death,’ Chenjerai said.

The district chairman said it was clear the police were reluctant to release Nyathi within the stipulated 48 hours because of the extent of his injuries, which were inflicted by Zanu-PF militias and the police.
He said violence was fast becoming the tool most commonly used by the government in the district to achieve its political goals. Zanu-PF officials in Chipinge now believe that violence was not only justified but also necessary in order to achieve their political objectives.

‘By the same token, I urge our party leaders to reflect closely on this development because you can’t negotiate with an institution, which behind your back, unleashes its terror gangs to beat up your supporters,’ Chenjerai said.