Conclusions
The objective findings are consistent with the after effects of psychological torture.
5.1.4 Case D:
History
Mr M.C., a member of MDC since 06/99 was tortured on the 8th May. On his way to work he was
asked to surrender his MDC T-shirt by a group and to accompany them. He was told to write
information regarding the MDC structure on paper. The he was hit with a wire cord on the buttocks
while lying on his stomach and he was beaten in the soles of the feet. He was tortured for half an
hour by 2 men who took it in turns to beat him. Then he was taken to another room and 5 women
took turns to beat him in the face and used bottle tops to squeeze into his legs. Then he was taken
and beaten by 3 men. The torture began at 1100a.m. until 2200h. He was then released and has filed
a complaint to the police.
Previous medical history:
In good health prior to torture and never hospitalised.
Alleged Torture Methods
Psychological torture: Threats including death threats
threats to give up his political beliefs
Physical torture:
Unsystematic beating over entire body
Falanga
Subjective Complaints
Nil
Objective Physical Findings
Regio plantaris dxt: 2 round scars, diameter ½ cm
Regio plantaris sin: 2 round scars, diameter ½ cm
Objective Psychological Findings
Nil
Conclusions
The objective physical findings correspond to the alleged torture by falanga.
5.1.5 Case E:
History
Mr M.S an MDC supporter and brother of an MDC Coordinator was abducted in the 13th May at 8
p.m. by 5 people, some of whom wore ZANU PF T shirts and taken to Budiriro 4. He was singled
out in his opinion because his brother is a well-known MDC Coordinator. On the way to the
surgery he suffered beating to his genitals. At the Clinic he suffered 4 days of beating and ill
treatment. He was kept in a toilet during daytime and in a Landrover outside the clinic at night. He
was kicked and beaten with a broomstick in his back, buttocks, feet and hands in a room with 16
people by someone referred to as the "Quartermaster" until he feigned lack of consciousness and
was taken to a medical room. He suffered bleeding through the nose and mouth. His third day of
torture was described as the worst. He was told to confess to being an MDC Supporter by 2 officers
and a Commander known as Mataga. He was told to write a letter to his brother asking for his
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