Docs expose police lies about violence

The elaborate propaganda scheme is a hydra-headed monster featuring many government officials, but mainly Robert Mugabe, the head of the military junta, his police commissioner, Augustine Chihuri and party spokesman Bright Matonga.

As Zimbabweans themselves and the international community look on in shocked disbelief, these men continue to utter the most bare-faced lies.  They seem to be unaware or uncaring that their deception is so obvious – with photographs, eye-witness reports and video footage evidence widely available.Without any shred of evidence, Chihuri has unashamedly accused the MDC of initiating violence around the country. Meanwhile, MDC supporters continue to bury their dead – even being attacked at cemeteries. There has been no footage, or report whatsoever, of a Zanu (PF) funeral. 

And now The Zimbabwean on Sunday can reveal that Chihuri is actually in possession of the facts, in the form of reports from various police stations. Police documents leaked to this newspaper this week show conclusively that Chihuri is conniving with the Mugabe regime’s lies.On many occasions, he has publicly accused the MDC of causing violence and caused the arrest of many internally displaced MDC refugees and newly-elected members of parliament. He also ordered the police to raid the MDC headquarters, Harvest House, a few weeks back, citing that those arrested were fugitives from the law.

He has clearly failed to uphold his Constitutional duty to preserve law and order. All the statistics lie on his desk, but Chihuri will not be moved because it would seem his duty is to Zanu (PF), and not to the people of Zimbabwe.The leaked police documents show that police at Chombira have preferred a charge of murder as defined in Section 47 of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act, Chapter 9:23 against nearly 150 Zanu (PF) youths and another identified only as Cde Bond of Gram Farm, Mt Darwin, for allegedly fatally assaulting three MDC activists – Tapiwa Persuade Meda (23), Joseph Madzuramhende (51) and Alex Chiriseri (53) – with logs and sticks.

The youths, who wore white “T” shirts bearing the words “Kasukuwere Parakwati” will also be charged with assault for allegedly injuring Judith Madzuramhende (18), Ednice Dakudzwa (23), a male adult, Biggie Sekeni (32), Thandiwe Gadzikwa (22), Unity Mapondera (40) and many others whose “exact number and particulars” are yet to be established, and who were referred to Concession Hospital for treatment after the beatings. 

Mugabe’s reluctance to prosecute Zanu (PF) offenders is well documented. CIO officers Elias Kanengoni, at one time convicted of the attempted murder of former Mayor of Gweru, Patrick Kombayi, and Robert Masikini, who shot and killed a man during interrogation, were all pardoned by Mugabe.  In the aftermath of the 2000 general elections, Mugabe gave a blanket amnesty to all those charged with political crimes, except murder.

According to the police report, on 5 May at about 0500 hours a group of a bout 150 Zanu (PF) youths led by one Comrade Bond, “proceeded to villages surrounding Chaona Business Centre, Chiweshe. Whilst there, the youths were split into small groups and were instructed to call all the villagers to attend a Zanu (PF)meeting at the Roman Catholic Church near Chaona Business Centre, Chiweshe. At the Church, a list of people accused of supporting the MDC, which included names of the deceased was produced. According to documents, those listed “were called to a nearby Gumtree Plantation one after the other where the Zanu (PF) youths took turns to assault them using logs and sticks. The deceased persons and other villagers were assaulted several times on the buttocks and under the feet.”

It was only after riot police from Centenary intervened that “the accused fled” and many, including three male teachers, Mutombo, Mandaza and Vhela based at Chaona Primary School, who had sustained serious injuries as a result of the assaults, were rushed to Howard Hospital where they recieved treatment. Tapiwa Meda and Joseph Madzuramhende who were rescued died later at their homes at 1800 hours. Alex Chiriseri died at 17:30 hours in a scotchcart on his way home. This incident is reported on Chombira RRB Number 0320375. Sources said police files were laden with cases of Zanu (PF) violence against innocent MDC supporters.