residents had heard rumors that the culprits had been arrested by the
Military in Budiriro 5. The police never confirmed the arrests.
5.3.5. The Commission was also advised that soldiers had assaulted people
at Makomva Shopping Centre on Sunday 20 January 2018 but the
Commission did not find anyone who was at the shopping centre at
that time to corroborate the allegations.
5.3.6. As the ZHRC was leaving Glen View along Willowvale Road just after
the intersection of Willowvale and High Glen road, the ZHRC noted a
white unmarked motor vehicle carrying soldiers in military combat with
two soldiers assaulting a young man with sticks whilst he was lying in
a pool of mud. A report was made by the Commission at Budiriro Police
Station for them to investigate the matter.
5.4.
Budiriro 5
5.4.1. The ZHRC followed up the issue raised in Glen View about alleged
arrests but could not find any witness to that story. Whilst in Budiriro 5
at OK Shopping Centre, the Commission was approached by a human
rights activist who highlighted that some people had been assaulted by
soldiers during the night. He indicated that he had taken a number to
Counselling Service Unit (CSU) for medical assistance but a huge
number was nursing their injuries at home as they feared going out. He
further highlighted that the continued military presence in the area was
also very intimidating to the public as a whole and people were not
going out to do their daily work freely. He said on Tuesday night he had
been told that he ought to be very wary as the soldiers could be visiting
his home and he had slept out for fear of his life. He also advised the
Commission that police officers were indiscriminately assaulting
“mahwindi” (touts) almost on a daily basis near the Shopping Centre.
Page 23 of 68
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