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Zimbabwe police officers face murder charges
Thu 29 June 2006

BULAWAYO - Two police officers in Zimbabwe's second biggest city of Bulawayo have been arrested on murder charges after they fatally assaulted two men last weekend for wishing President Robert Mugabe dead.

Observers say the death of the two civilians is yet another clear example of abuse of power by Mugabe's state security agents who have been accused by human rights groups in the past of violating the rights of civilians.

The two police officers, whose identities have still not been revealed to the press, went on the rampage last Sunday beating up patrons at a beer garden after the patrons passed what they deemed were uncomplimentary remarks on President Robert Mugabe following the death of Information Minister Tichaona Jokonya last weekend.

The two civilians, who have been identified as Gift Jubane, 25, and Prince Ndebele, died at Mpilo Hospital on Monday from the injuries they sustained during the brutal attack. Seven other civilians also sustained serious injuries during the attack.

Innocent Moyo, one of those injured during the attack, told ZimOnline yesterday that police officers pounced on the beer patrons after one of the beer drinkers passed a comment on Jokonya's death saying it was good men who died leaving the "devil himself."

"While reading The Sunday News newspaper, we came across a story announcing the death of Minister Tichaona Jokonya. One of my colleagues quipped that 'only good men die, leaving the devil himself," said Moyo.

Moyo said all hell broke loose as the police officers started beating up the nine civilians.

"The police assaulted us with batton sticks and booted feet all over our bodies accusing us of working with the (main opposition) Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party to topple the government," said Moyo, who sustained a broken arm during the attack.

The nine were later set free on Monday morning. But Jubane and Ndebele were taken to Mpilo Hospital for treatment because of the severity of their injuries. The two died on Monday afternoon from their injuries.

Police in Bulawayo confirmed the incident and said a murder docket had since been opened against two police officers.

"Yes, we are aware of the incident and the two policemen who assaulted the duo have since been arrested and are both detained at Donnington police station facing murder charges.

"Their detention book numbers are 740/ 06 and 741/06. They are both Constables from Hillside police station who were based at Kensington base," said a source at Bulawayo police station who refused to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the press.

Police spokesman, Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena also confirmed that the two officers were being held on murder charges.

"Yes, the two constables are detained and will be taken to court on murder charges. I cannot reveal more at this stage because the matter is sensitive," he said, adding that investigations were still in progress over the matter.

Human rights groups have often accused Zimbabwe's state security agents including the police of using torture and violence against suspects and members of the opposition to elicit confessions.

But the Harare authorities have denied the charge saying the allegations are false and meant to tarnish Zimbabwe's image. - ZimOnline

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