27 the line to the back, and then the beating was repeated in the same manner. The Zanu (PF) youth began to sing, “”You’ve swallowed a fresh chili pepper.” More youths arrived at the school and began singing, and then joined the assault with Mhiripiri. Mhiripiri sat down and after hurling various insults at Dhliwayo, produced a gun. He pointed it at Dhliwayo, his hand shaking. An assailant said to Mhiripiri, “Don’t do that” and walked outside with him. After a short while, Mhiripiri returned and sat down again, talking until morning. He said to Dhliwayo, “I phoned the President to ask permission to solve problems in this area. I phoned Mahachi, my nephew, and was given permission to do as I please in this area in a bid to reform the country.” He went on to say, “Even if you make a lot of noise, and cry out if the police come, we will burn it down. Forget that the police will come.” For the rest of the night, Dhliwayo and another nine people were beaten. When it reached morning, Mhiripiri said, “It is now the king’s Sabbath so I will not assault you because it is also my Sabbath.” He said to Dhliwayo, “Ferai, you were preaching, now you speak about political issues.” Another Zanu (PF) supporter said to him, “Ferai, we belong to the same church, how could you have taken up for the white cause?” Dhliwayo was told to stand up and jump around, although his legs were swollen. All of the victims were told to kneel down facing the east. One of the Zanu (PF) supporters said a prayer, thanking God for giving them the opportunity to beat their enemies. Mhiripiri said the next prayer. “Lord, I have sinned. I beat up these people. Forgive me. Please make the wounds I have caused heal fast.” The victims were told to go home, but if Zanu (PF) supporters caught up to anyone, they would be killed. Dhliwayo tried to walk but could not, so his parents came and carried him in a scotch-cart. He was taken to Harare where a doctor referred him to Harare hospital because of his extensive injuries. Dhliwayo sought refuge in Harare until August because he was afraid of returning to his village. His sister told him that he was believed dead and that she had heard over the radio that he died and was being buried. There were rumors that he would be killed if he returned. He did travel to Makoni West to vote and stayed with Makuwaza. He was advised by MDC members not to notify the police of his torture right away, because he might be discovered and followed by Zanu (PF) supporters. After he made finally made a report to the police, he and other witnesses were given a court date in September. Dhliwayo and other victims were told on their hearing day that Mhiripiri didn’t have a defense lawyer, so they were ordered home. Mhiripiri approached him and the other victims in court. He said he’d give them money so they wouldn’t “trouble themselves to return to court.” They did not accept the money. When he and the other victims returned on the new court date, they were told that the President had pardoned the assailants. Dhilwayo’s medical assessment revealed the extent of his injuries. The victim suffers long-term effects of having chronic pain and difficulty walking. Dhliwayo continues to experience backache, headaches, experiences weakness throughout his body, especially in his legs. He often experiences chronic pain from his injuries. As a result, he is unable to work. Victims Assaulted More than Once Victims described being beaten for long periods of time, and then victimized again. They described being threatened whilst being beaten, either that they should not be MDC supporters or that they should return to Zanu (PF). John Hwenhira describes being victimized on two occasions: John Hwenhira testified that Zanu (PF) supporters assaulted him on 9 April 2000. He was assaulted around 3 p.m. in full view of a crowd but was not aided. He was injured all over his body but especially on his right arm. Initially, he sought medical treatment, but was refused because he did not have a note from the police. Two days after the incident he was able to seek medical attention at a clinic where he was given painkillers and referred to Rusape General Hospital. He did not have money for either treatment or bus fare so he relied on his painkillers. AMANI Trust: Organised Violence and Torture in the June 2000 General Election in Zimbabwe