5.27.4. Accounts from patrons of beerhalls and other places of recreation near the shopping centres revealed that they were beaten using sticks, sjamboks and open fists after being accused of having erected barricades in the roads. The complainants stated that they tried to explain their non-involvement in the skirmishes but their assailants did not listen to them or stop the assaults. 5.27.5. The focus groups discussions7 conducted also revealed that a group of sex workers who are well known and stay at a compound at the back of Domboshava showgrounds shops was targeted in the violations by soldiers. Soldiers mockingly scolded the sex workers with obscenities and assaulted them with sticks. They would be told to lie on the stomach as groups of 8 to 10 men and women in ZNA and ZRP uniform assaulted them with huge sticks. This resulted in most of the beaten suffering injuries of which some had already sought medical attention using their own funds. 5.27.6. Reports also indicated that scores of people had been beaten although there was obviously no basis for suspecting them of involvement in the erection of barricades as some, including juveniles were beaten in school uniform, were assaulted as they came from school or went about their normal business. It was reported that a school going boy had been shot in the leg by a soldier who opened fire at a crowd in Domboshava showgrounds. The ZHRC did not access the boy’s residence or guardian at the time of the investigation as it was reported that he had gone to seek medical attention. The environment was tense with armed soldiers patrolling the area and people were scared of divulging many details for fear of reprisals. 7 The focus group discussions was made up of 20 people Page 52 of 68