streets and it was just chaotic. At the same time, they could hear
gunshots being fired by the police. Some went back to their houses,
some continued following the crowd. Later in the evening, people
started looting shops. They told the Commission that since then, police
and soldiers had been coming randomly at night arresting people. It
was their contention that it appeared that MDC Alliance and its
structures were being targeted.
5.24.3. The ZHRC tried to locate the Councillor from the closest Ward to the
disturbances, which was mainly Ward 2. Upon inquiring, it was
revealed that the Councillor Muchineripi Chinyangani, of MDCAlliance, had been arrested in connection with the disturbances and
had been in remand since Thursday the 17th of January 2019. He was
represented by a lawyer from ZLHR in this matter.
5.24.4. The ZHRC engaged in a discussion with the Chief Inspector at
Rimuka ZPS. She appraised us briefly of the events but for details
referred us to Law and Order Unit as investigations were being done
there. However, she showed us the damaged buildings in their vicinity.
The Commission got audience with the Chief Superintendent Law and
Order, who confirmed that there was one death and about twenty-nine
(29) people arrested, nineteen (19) during the protests and ten (10)
after the protests, those who were alleged shop looters. One person
paid a fine of $30 and was released.
5.24.5. Further the Chief Inspector (DEPUTY DISPOL) Kadoma Central also
confirmed one death and the arrests stating further that investigations
were ongoing with some dockets already complete and trial being
conducted. Generally, the disturbances gained momentum in the late
hours of the afternoon of 14 January 2019 mostly in Rimuka. He
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