The move comes after the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in its affidavits, denied that they had visible wounds which emanated from severe torture.
The organisation’s spokesman, Kumbirai Mafunda, said in an exclusive interview that they had forwarded the appeal to Zimbabwe's Supreme Court.
“We have handed over the appeal to the Supreme Court with copies to the ZRP, and the Attorney General. "What this means is the our clients should not be prosecuted untill the courts have dealt with the torture issues which they raised when they were first brought before the court.
"As you are aware the 24 accused persons were seriously tortured by the police while in their custody and we need that to be addressed first, before their case is heard. As Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights representing these [people) we strongly believe that the police tortured them because they had some visible wounds when they appeared before the court.
"One of them, Cynthia Manjoro, told the court that she was beaten on her knees by the police using an empty bottle and it’s a clear indication of torture,” Mafunda said.
When the 24 accused persons appeared before the Harare Magistrate Court last month they complained that they had been ill-treated by the ZRP currently led by Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri.
The court then ordered the police to investigate the case and produce a report. The ZRP, in its report, strongly denied having tortured the accused.
Mafunda said his organisation was worried by the continued arrest of Glenview residents over the same case.
“As we speak the police are still arresting more Glenview villagers. At the weekend they arrested three more bringing the number to 27 a situation which to us is worrisome. Among the three more who were arrested include MDC-T Harare Provincial Youth Chairman, Moses Gambe, who was picked up from the City Centre.
"We are not saying the police should not do their job but they should do it without fear and favour. They must first investigate and they should desist from torturing civilians over allegations,“ Mafunda said.
The accused persons, who applied bail to High Court are still languishing in Remand Prison. Before investigations of the murdered policeman began, the ZRP, through their spokesperson, rushed to announce and falsely accused MDC-T members of murdering him.
This led to the abrupt and random arrest of MDC-T activists in the area. They said they were severely assaulted, tortured, brutalised and denied access to medical treatment.
Post published in: Politics