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friends at the Sadza Growth Point because they did not
surrender their MDC T-shirts. One assailant was identified as
Cuthbert Maphumo, who ripped the T-shirt from the victim’s
body with a pocketknife. The matter was reported to the
Sadza Police and a docket was opened (CRB NO C534/2000).
Three court hearings were held on this matter at Chivhu
Magistrate Court: 18 August, 15 September and 25 October
2000. No judgement has been rendered. On 20 July 2000 he
was attacked in a bar by a group of ZANU (PF) supporters
holding a victory celebration party. He was beaten until he
lost consciousness and was taken to the Sadza Hospital. He
suffered injuries on the upper lip and hip joint. The matter was
reported to the Sadza ZRP and Inspector Majora took a
statement that included the names of the attackers and
witnesses. Investigations followed, but the accused fled and
the case was closed because of “irregularities”.
5.3.6 Property destruction:
There are many different forms of intimidation that can result in psychological torture,
and there are ways of applying pressure to people that do not seem like torture. Property
destruction, with the consequent impoverishment of people, has become a very common
form of psychological torture in Zimbabwe.
Hwarari Admore and another unnamed perpetrator, both
ZANU (PF) supporters, seriously harassed N.M. N.M.’s home
was ransacked, and his MDC cards and t-shirts were
confiscated. The ZANU (PF) supporters threatened to kill him
and burn his home because he had supported the MDC in the
run-up to the June 2000 elections
As the case above illustrates, as well as the case below, destroying people’s houses and
property can provide a very effective form of psychological torture, as well as a an
extremely effective method of intimidating whole communities.
MDC Supporter Show Goriati had his house razed to the
ground by ZANU (PF) supporters in an attack in the early
hours of 17 April. It is suspected that the attack was in
retaliation for the assault of Chief Chiweshe. ZANU (PF)
supporters also burnt down the house of MDC supporter
Arunero Mawachi on 17 April. This attack is suspected to be
part of retaliation efforts after the attack on Chief Chiweshe.
The destruction of property can even become a method of attacking and controlling
whole communities as the report below illustrates.
In Kairezi Village on April 18, ZANU (PF) supporters and
war veterans marched Wellington Rwaninga out of his house,
then burnt four huts and damaged his property. War veterans
in the area have set up bases at Chandereka and Chimoi
business centres and are forcing people to attend “pungwes”,
all-night parties. Over the Independence Day holiday, war
veterans and ZANU (PF) supporters burnt granaries and huts,
as well as raided livestock and food.
Select target paragraph3
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