A group of approximately 90 people had gathered in a
bush clearing to discuss responsible behaviour when
they were approached by 12 police officers. 20
members, eight men, 12 women and three babies were
arrested in total and made to walk over a kilometre to
Sakubva Police Station. During the march to the police
station, several of the members were handcuffed.
At the police station, the group was denied access to
their lawyer and also denied food. Some members were
beaten. Police informed the group that as most were
not carrying their national identification cards, they
had broken the law and should pay fines. Without
access to legal counsel to advise that this was
inaccurate, most members believed they had no other
option than to pay the fines and were released at 7pm.
The two that remain in custody refused to pay fines.
It is expected that they will be charged under the
Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and it is
hoped that they will be taken to court this morning.
There are fears that they may be kept in over the
weekend however.
Post published in: News