the villagers using tree branches for more than three hours.107 The same day, other groups of soldiers were beating villagers at Betera, Mukwada, Tonhorai, and Chakohwa, demanding to know the whereabouts of local miners and the identity of villagers who allegedly worked with the local miners. A headman from Mukwada ward told Human Rights Watch that on that day soldiers beat more than 300 villagers at various locations.108 Military abuses in Marange also included denial of medical care to victims of abuse in the community, including those who sustained dog-bite wounds and wounds from beatings or gunshots. Nurses based in the local community told Human Rights Watch that soldiers instructed them not to render medical care to any person who sustained injury by whatever means on the diamond fields.109 107 Human Rights Watch interviews with local miner C.J., Marange, February 21, 2009; and with local councillor F.M., February 22, 2009. 108 Human Rights Watch interview with headman P.M., Marange, February 20, 2009. 109 Human Rights Watch interviews with nurses R.M., G.B., and N.Z., Marange, February 22, 2009. Diamonds in the Rough 36

Select target paragraph3

Add to table of contents