came forward with reports of varying degrees of assault, including falanga2. 339 men
also indicated aggravated indecent assault and torture by soldiers and police in riot
gear using baton sticks, fists, metal rods and rifle butts. In some reported incidents,
protestors were also identified as perpetrators of violence.
3.7 Harassment, Threats and intimidation
Harassment, threats and intimidation happened country wide at a scale too vast to
quantify. The whole nation was terrorised by the ZNA and ZRP offices. Armed men
were seen all over the place harassing anyone they came across. The strong presence
of military personnel and their involvement in communities and civilian affairs,
including roaming the streets in full military gear and the presence of armed soldiers
in public transport are factors that have led to the intimidation of citizens.
3.8 Destruction of Property
There was widespread destruction of property during #shutdown,since 14 January
2019. Protestors looted retail outlets and fuel service stations, as well as burning police
stations, Tollgates, a ZUPCO bus, vehicles including police vehicles. These incidences
were reported from Bulawayo, Harare, Chitungwiza (Makoni police station),
Marondera, Domboshava, and Epworth. After the protests, reports of destruction of
property by ZNA and ZRP officers were received. In a verified incident from
Dzivarasekwa, police in riot gear fired 6 teargas canisters into a residential home.
Property, including a wardrobe, bed and blankets were destroyed as a result of the
heat emitted from the teargas canisters. In total, 51 reports of destruction of property
were received and verified.
Police have reported that the arsonists who burnt the ZUPCO bus were arrested and
that they were ZANU PF supporters. The Forum did not verify this report
independently. However, residents reported that soldiers and police broke into their
homes and if there were any groceries, they demanded receipts and failure to produce
one would lead to assaults and arrest and the groceries would be confiscated.
2
Being beaten on the sole of the feet with a hard object.
8
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