HARARE - MDC activists arrested for political violence after a rally held by opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai in Epworth on Sunday, have said that they were inhumanely treated while in police custody.
Antony Shangadeya, 52, Songi Chari, 32, Veronica Chinembiri, 35, Alex Makina, 33, Nyararai Chibindu, 52, Moses Chindanga, 26, Kholwane Makina, 26 and Emmerson Makahamadze, 27 appeared before Harare magistrate Tendai Mahwe to answer political violence charges.
The group’s lawyer Marufu Mandevere, who appeared together with Musindo Hungwe, told the court that the accused were treated inhumanly after spending the night crammed in a small room.
“There were almost 38 of them in a small room, which had urine.
“They had to sleep while standing,” Mandevere said, urging the court to order an investigation into their detention.
He said if the suspects’ claims were proved correct and that their rights had been infringed upon, they were going to apply for compensation.
He said Chari and Kholwane also had complaints against the police, pertaining to the selective application of the law.
Mandevere said Kholwane was arrested while at the police station, where he was filing an assault charge against Zanu PF supporters.
He told the court that Kholwane’s docket was not acted upon, as police gave first preference to Zanu PF activists’ narrative of events.
According to prosecutor Sharon Mashavira, the incident took place last Sunday, after Tsvangirai’s Epworth rally.
It is alleged that after the rally, the group proceeded to Belapazi Farm.
According to state papers, the farm is a Zanu PF stronghold. The group allegedly assaulted Zanu PF supporters using bricks and stones.
It is alleged that during the attack, they destroyed window panes, doors, chairs and tables that belong to Zanu PF supporters. Mashavira opposed bail.