assaulted but this man was not beaten seriously. He cannot go back home, as the perpetrators have
not been caught by the police. The police have been friendly and are investigating the incident. The
man who axed him is in custody. However there were problems with the police statement which
did not indicate the identity of his assailants whereas he had stated that they were ZANU PF.
While at the local in hospital his leg was put in plaster and he received stitches to his head, however
he was only attended to by medical students and the male nurse at that hospital who is a war veteran
and alleged torturer at the Hunzvi clinic in Harare has threatened the hospital staff (Commander
Boyd Ndlhovu). The medical report similarly stated that he was assaulted by unidentified assailants.
He is taking legal action and is currently living with parents in law although he feels concerned for
their safety. Since the incident he met a businessman who threatened to chop his head off and has
given the name of this man to the police. On 31/05 people told his agent as he is now standing in the
forthcoming elections as a candidate that they would break his other leg. He telephoned the police
but they never showed up.
Previous medical history:
In good health prior to torture. Never hospitalised.
Alleged Torture Methods
Psychological torture:
Physical torture:
Threats, including death threats, and threats to kill spouse and
son
Unsystematic beating all over (using axe handle, sticks,
thorned branches, metallic wire and sjamboks)
Falanga (using thorny branches)
Subjective Complaints
Pain in the right wrist and lower left leg, anxiety
Objective Physical Findings
According to medical report after the assault:
Regio ventralis:
echymosis, 12 ( 15 cm
Regio gluteae:
echymosis, 15 ( 20 cm
Right wrist fractured
Lower left leg fractured
Examination by IRCT team:
Regio occipitalis:
alopecia metatraumetica 10 ( 15 cm, with scar 3 ( 4 cm in the centre
Regio tibialis sin:
open dorsum from dorsum manus to elbow, infected ulcer 2 ( 3 cm
Regio plantaris dxt: 5 scars, 1 ( 1½-2 cm
Plaster of Paris on right wrist and left lower leg, pain from toes to
knee
Objective Psychological Findings
Obviously in pain; depressed, easily moved.
Conclusions
The objective physical finding correspond to alleged unsystematic beatings and falanga with thorny
branches.
5.1.2
Case B:
16
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