Published: 2016 September 19 08:09:20 (34030 Views)

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police have denied firing live bullets at protesters over the weekend saying those were malicious lies paddled by detractors. 
But a former Cabinet minister said  Robert Mugabe's government was using Rhodesian tactics to deal with growing dissent as a fresh crackdown on protesters reportedly netted 87 people countrywide,
Former State Security minister Didymus Mutasa, one of Mugabe's closest wartime aides and now convener of the opposition coalition National Electoral Reforms Agenda (Nera) yesterday said he was saddened by government brutality.
“As of now, we have received reports that in Harare 33 people were arrested or picked up by people in police uniform, 16 in Midlands, Matabeleland South (15), Masvingo (15), Mashonaland Central (2), Manicaland (1) and Mashonaland East (5). 
At least 125 assault cases involving police have also been reported from Zaka, to Makoni South, Epworth, Marondera and Bindura,” Mutasa said. 
Police, however, disputed Mutasa's figures including reports that they used live ammunition against protesters and the numbers of those arrested or reportedly brutalised.
In a statement yesterday, police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said only 21 people had been arrested “for engaging in acts of disorderly conduct by blocking smooth flow of traffic and intimidating the general public to side with them and partake in their illegal activities”.
“For the record, no firearm or ‘live bullets’ were used in the perceived protests throughout the country. As police we reiterate that anyone who claims that live bullets were fired at protesters should come forward with the evidence,” Nyathi said. 
“We are now left to wonder as to the intention of the people making these frivolous concocted lies.” Nyathi added that among those arrested were “MDC activists who were openly agitating for violence”.




- NewsDay

You might also want to read this

• Trouble For Police Officers Who Have Been Mercilessly Bludgeoning Protesters
• Ruling On 58 Protesters Expected Today 


• Police Finally Speak On Live Bullets Story
• Zimbabwe Police Impose Another Demo Ban In Harare
• Police Protest Ban Hearing To Be Heard In An Open Court
• Zimbabwe Police Urged To 'Free' Their Wives
• Police vs Nera Battle Set For Tomorrow
• Magistrate Blasts Overzealous Cops For "Dragnet" Arrests
• Police Roadblocks Violating United Nations Guidelines

Comment as Anonymous | Comment With Facebook Submit

Big Reads

© Copyright 2024 Zim Metro is not responsible for the content of external sites | Contact Us: editor@zimmetro.net | RSS Feeds | Sitemap