Most of the arrested youths were in urgent need of medical attention after
systematic torture by use of iron rods, baseball bats as well as electric
codes by the CIO and police details, believed to be mainly green bombers and
war veterans deployed across the whole country to target MDC members and
supporters, civil society members as well as journalists.
When we visited Harare Central Police Station we established that more than
30 MDC members there were being denied access to legal representatives,
medical attention as well as food, and most of them struggling to walk or
sit having sustained blisters and wound under the feet, at the back and on
their buttocks after being severely tortured. A senior police officer
speaking on condition of anonymity revealed that the arrested were being
subjected to serious torture and that “it is part of a plan to build up
treason and political violence cases against the MDC”. He added that a
special team of war vets and green bombers was implementing the torture
plan.
MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said, “It is clear the regime wants to find any
slightest opportunity to destroy the MDC. In most cases targeted MDC members
were arrested from their homes and accused of things they never engaged in.
We are aware that there are lists in every district and ward of our party
members that are targeted because of their active involvement in the party
activities.”
Some of the youths were being forced to make sworn statements admitting to
being part of what the police were calling the terror team, the Zanu (PF)
regime alleges was created by the MDC for the purpose of waging war and
using violence means to cause regime change.
Post published in: News