Doctors condemn denial of medical treatment for activists

In particular ZADHR is concerned about the medical condition of Mr Fidelis

Chiramba, District Chairperson of the Movement for Democratic Change in

Zvimba South. Mr Chiramba, who has been incarcerated for 100 days now, has

been examined by medical practitioners who have confirmed that he needs to

be urgently hospitalised.

Mr Chiramba continues to be denied access to adequate medical treatment

despite an order being granted by Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe on 31

December 2008 that he be taken to a hospital of his choice for treatment.

This was not done. A second order was granted in the Magistrate’s Court on

30 January 2008 by Ms Gloria Takundwa for Mr Chiramba to be taken to a

private clinic for treatment the same day.

On 6 February Mr Chiramba was taken to Avenues Clinic for treatment. He

exhibited evidence of congestive cardiac failure secondary to severe

hypertension. He still exhibits evidence of soft tissue injuries secondary

to his assault. His medical condition warrants admission and stabilisation

in a functional and properly equipped hospital.

In addition Mr Kisimusi Dhlamini and Mr Gandhi Mudzingwa were also attended

to on 6 February 2009 and found to have serious medical conditions that

needed hospitalisation. Mr Dhlamini also still exhibits evidence of falanga

according to a specialised investigation carried out.

ZADHR is very concerned regarding the grave medical condition that Mr

Chiramba, Mr Mudzingwa and Mr Dhlamini are in, and calls for their immediate

release to a properly equipped and functional hospital and for them to be

allowed to access the immediate medical assessment and treatment t hey

requires.

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