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i j t i n r i o h C The Changing Times Movement for Democratic Change A Party of Excellence! The Official Mouthpiece of the MDC

Friday 6 November MDC Information & Publicity Department, Harvest House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave, Harare, Issue 007: 2009

Distributed free of charge President leads MDC team to Maputo … as SADC Troika grapples to tackle Constitutional crisis

HARARE – President Morgan It was the latest Bank governor cholera - all of them crises that had been Tsvangirai on Wednesday led a effort in a series Gideon Gono and significantly addressed after the MDC powerful MDC team to a Troika of gatherings pro-Zanu PF formed government in February. summit in Maputo where the party convened by Attorney-General expected Southern African leaders at the SADC, a Johannes Tomana. World rights body, Human Rights Watch the summit in Mozambique to order full 15-member bloc, The report also urged the regional leaders to discuss implementation of the Global Political that has been asked Mugabe to the deteriorating political situation in Agreement to resolve the deepening involved in a search secure an end to Zimbabwe, urging them to press Zanu PF to end ongoing human rights abuses. political and constitutional crisis for a solution to the political violence in Zimbabwe. constitutional crisis and to refrain “Recent reports that Zanu PF continues after the MDC’s from the partisan The MDC position is that failure to to arrest and harass human rights and partial withdrawal use of security resolve the GNU crisis, which has from the inclusive civil society activists should act as a mothballed national budgeting and forces, the legal g o v e r n m e n t warning to the regional leaders that spawned a critical legitimacy crisis system and other October 16, Zimbabwe may slide back into violence for Robert Mugabe and Zanu-PF, must state apparatus. citing Zanu PF’s and chaos if they do not take decisive prompt the staging of fresh, free and fair action,” said Georgette Gagnon, Africa reluctance to The ministerial internationally supervised elections, director at Human Rights Watch. comply with the T r o i k a the party’s national spokesman said in GPA and the SADC c o n s u l t a t i o n s Harare yesterday. “Regional leaders should set concrete resolution of 27 last week were a benchmarks and consider targeted January 2009 as The MDC outlined its expectations as result of President sanctions if any of Zimbabwe’s parties well as a surge in President Tsvangirai led a high-powered Tsvangirai’s highly- do not comply with the provisions of delegation of top party officials to the Zanu PF-instigated successful four- the power-sharing agreement.” political violence in SADC Troika meeting convened in President nation tour that the countryside. Maputo by Mozambique President and took him to Mozambique, Civic group Open Society Initiative SADC Troika chair, Armando Guebuza. South Africa, Angola and for Southern Africa (OSISA) urged MDC spokesman Hon. Thabo Mbeki, a SADC mediator and The meeting was also attended by DRC, where he was warmly received SADC to deploy an observer mission to said the SADC, former South African president, that deputy Troika chair, Zambia President by all Presidents of the four countries, Zimbabwe to avert bloodshed. as the guarantors of the power- met the Zimbabwean officials in Harare Rupiah Banda and King Mswati III who subsequently decided to dispatch a sharing deal, must make sure that last week. of Swaziland. “In order to guard against the outbreak all parties commit themselves to ministerial troika to Harare. of renewed, politically motivated implementing the letter and spirit of SADC chairman and DRC President At the end of its mission last Friday, the violence, it is recommended that a Joseph Kabila, who was in Harare the GPA. ministerial Troika was in full concert delegation be deployed to monitor ahead of the Troika meeting, and South “The Troika meeting must ensure with the MDC that there was urgent military build-up and to report on African President Jacob Zuma also that there are timelines and tangible “The Troika meeting need to convene an emergency summit incidents of political violence,” OSISA attended the Maputo crisis meeting to deliverables in implementing the GPA to resolve the constitutional crisis said in a document to the troika. “Ideally resolve the MDC’s declaration of non- must ensure that there and the SADC communiqué,” Hon. after meetings with all parrties in the such a delegation would be a SADC- cooperation with Mugabe and Zanu PF Chamisa said. are timelines and inclusive government. mandated delegation, but given the in government until all the outstanding immediacy of the threat, those actors issues are resolved. tangible deliverables “If this meeting fails, then SADC must Yesterday’s SADC Troika meeting on best placed to dispatch a delegation are Zimbabwe took place amid increasing President Tsvangirai was accompanied make sure it puts in place structural, in implementing the those able to do most rapidly. South resurgent violence against the MDC, by Vice President, Hon. Thokozani institutional and constitutional GPA and the SADC Africa, in support of the mediation role Khupe, secretary-general, Hon Tendai mechanisms and parameters that will arbitrary arrests; and the failure by it has played, could do so. SADC and Biti, deputy treasurer-general Hon ensure a free and fair election so that the communiqué.” Mugabe and Zanu PF to stick to the the AU are also possible sources.” , Women’s Assembly people of Zimbabwe have a legitimate letter and spirit of the GPA. The civic group said the policy of chair, Hon , and deputy government simply because there is no Civic society groups warned SADC selectively arresting MDC officials Information minister . government outside the GPA.” and members of parliament as well as The report urged Mugabe to ensure leaders to force Mugabe to implement human rights defenders must stop, every Thursday’s summit brought together The Changing Times understands effective implementation of the GPA the pact saying if the GNU unravelled, effort must be made to bring to justice President Tsvangirai, Mugabe and the Troika meeting yesterday it risked plunging the country back to and a definitive resolution of the those responsible for the abductions received a report from ministers the crisis levels of 2008, characterised deputy premier outstanding issues as per the SADC and attempted abductions of MDC with leaders from the DRC, South from Mozambique, Swaziland and communiqué of 26-27 January 2009, by intense violence, a breakdown in officials, and politically motivated Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland Zambia, support staff from the Sadc which accepts the controversy in the service delivery, economic collapse, charges against MDC officials must and Zambia. secretariat and representatives of appointment of the kleptocratic Reserve food shortages and an outbreak of be dropped.

1 Activist relives ordeal HARARE - MDC activist, Peter started firing shots at me and when the Munyanyi, 29, has finally managed third shot was fired I panicked and fell to escape from his abductors after to the ground. spending over six months in captivity at “I would sleep an unknown place. “That is when they started kicking on the floor me very hard with booted feet until and after every For over six months, Munyanyi, I collapsed. From then on I don’t know who was among hundreds of MDC what happened,” he said. two weeks, supporters who went missing following last year’s post-election violence, said When Munyanyi later became I was given a he did not know where he was, after conscious, he found that he was locked he was locked up by State security bucket of water up in a dark room with a broken arm agents in a dark room without blankets, and a missing tooth. for cleaning the clothing or toilet facilities. room since Unknown to Munyanyi, this was During that period, Munyanyi says he I had to relieve was also given very little to eat. going to be his home for the coming six months. myself in that Munyanyi, an MDC activist from Shana Village in Gutu South, Masvingo “I never received any treatment for my very room.” province, lived in fear everyday for broken arm and I had to use the T-shirt those six months, not knowing whether I was wearing when I was abducted as he will ever see the outside world again an arm sling. I received excruciating Peter Munyanyi let alone his wife, Jacqueline and three torture during this period,” he said. year-old son Malvern. “I would sleep on the floor and after “Within five minutes I had bolted out of with the intimidation and harassment Munyanyi is one of over 50 MDC every two weeks, I was given a bucket the room and I sprinted out of the place that she was getting from Zanu PF Munyanyi’s six month ordeal started on supporters who were abducted mafia- of water for cleaning the room since I before scaling the fence,” he said. the afternoon of 13 December 2008 at supporters in the area,” he said. style by State security agents on false had to relieve myself in that very room. Utsinda Business Centre in Gutu where charges that they were being recruited He spent four days walking in the he met three men driving a white single- Since his escape from his abductors, by the MDC for military training in “However, what made my experience bush until he arrived at Filabusi, cab CAM truck who pounced on him. Matebeleland South province. Munyanyi says he has managed to Botswana to topple the Zanu PF regime. more worrying was that my abductors The men assaulted him and tried to have his arm treated but is still having never talked to me but simply tortured force him into the vehicle. A Good Samaritan gave him bus fare “It was a harrowing experience as I was sleepless nights because of what he me on a weekly basis without a word to travel to Masvingo but when he got still tortured although I was in pain with went through. CAM trucks were last year well known said,” he said. home he discovered that his house had a broken arm,” Munyanyi said. for being used in the abduction of been burnt down and property looted “However, despite the ordeal I have MDC and human rights activists across On 29 June 2009, one of Munyanyi’s and his wife had also been beaten up by gone through I remain an active and the country. He said his daily meal was a plate of abductors came to the room at night unknown people. sadza with salt as relish once a day and left the door open, which had never dedicated MDC supporter and will “I however, managed to escape from while on the other hand he had no toilet happened in the past six months that he “My wife had to leave for her parents’ continue to work tirelessly for the them and ran away. One of them then facilities and no blankets. was incarcerated. home in Chivi as she could not cope party,” he said.

Teachers flee as Zanu PF thugs run riot Ward chairman living in fear CHIPINGE – The MDC chairman for fell in the area last week, most of his Ward 23, Musikavanhu, Manicaland property worth thousands of dollars MASVINGO – Two teachers from Shevden Primary school in province, Phainas Myambo, 36, has was damaged. Masvingo North have been forced been evicted from his house together to flee the school by a group of Zanu with his wife and 17 children by However, Myambo vowed that he PF sympathisers on allegations that Zanu PF simply because he supports would not leave Musikavanhu or they are MDC activists. the MDC. abandon the MDC despite the death threats that he received from Zanu PF. According to the Progressive Myambo and his family are now living Teacher’s Union (PTUZ) president, in fear as the group has threatened that In a related incident, Makiwa Takavafira Zhou, a group of the next time they see Myambo, they Chiwundu, 72, of Ward 5 Maramba purported war veterans and Zanu would break his legs and make sure he Pfungwe, Mashonaland East province PF youth militia stormed the school never walks again. has been told to vacate his home by and ordered the two teachers to Zanu PF youths. vacate the premises or risk losing Narrating his ordeal to The Changing their lives. Times on Wednesday, Myambo said “Zanu-PF youths had a three day on 21 October afternoon, while he Ward 23 Chairman Phainas Myambo Makiwa Chiwundu and family meeting where they said all MDC “We have records of teachers who had briefly left his house some Zanu supporters should leave the area and stay were chased away from Shevden PF thugs came and forced his wife “They gave me up to 4 November to Myambos’ wife identified the Zanu in Harare with (President) Tsvangirai,” Primary School by war veterans led Thandiwe Maoneke and daughter Lucia pack my things and leave Musikavanhu PF youths as led by Betty Magodo, said Chiwundu. by one Chikono. Zhou said “The to pack all their belongings and put for good or I risk losing my life” Tongai Magodo, Robert Magodo, teachers came to our offices to report them outside. said Myambo. Cephas Zibonda, Nomore Magodo and The youths then drafted a list of all the matter but for security reasons Farai Magodo. perceived MDC supporters in the area. we are not at liberty to disclose The gang then carried the property Myambo has since made a report to Fearing for his life and that of his their names. and dumped it in a nearby bush before the police but no arrests have been Myambo and his family have since family, a girl and two boys, Chiwundu giving Myambo an ultimatum to leave made although the culprits have that day been sleeping out in the open left for Harare where he is staying “We went to the school to investigate Musikavanhu for good. been identified. and because of the heavy rains that with relatives. the incident and we learnt that the war veterans and Zanu PF militia in the area are claiming the school belongs to Zanu PF”. The two teachers were allegedly Bulawayo can clear housing backlog-Mayor told that they should never return to the school. BULAWAYO - The MDC-led delivery would greatly improve Operation Murambatsvina left scores of “We should work towards lessening the Bulawayo City Council says it has the considering that it was a platform for us people homeless and some were forced burden and plight of the pandemic.” However, PTUZ has condemned the capacity to clear its housing backlog. to tackle all issues collectively affecting to resettle in crammed quarters. incident, saying it was unfortunate the country’s local housing structure.” Hon. Thabitha Khumalo, the MP that war veterans were responsible Speaking to The Changing Times upon Meanwhile, at least 60% of pupils at of Bulawayo East, last week told for deploying and evicting teachers journalists that a lot of child-headed from schools. his return from the National Housing Last month on World Habitat Day, Lochview Primary school in Bulawayo families and children staying with Convention held in Victoria Falls the Minister of Housing, Hon. Fidelis have been infected with HIV/AIDS. relatives have not reported cases “We view this incident as the recently, Bulawayo mayor Clr Thabani Mhashu hinted that there were plans of abuse latest attack on the freedom Mpofu said the city had enough land to hand over Operation Garikai/Hlalani The CEO of the Positive Living of teachers because war to clear the housing backlog that has Association of Zimbabwe- Bulawayo Kuhle to local authorities because the “Most of these children have not veterans are now acting as grown as a result of increase in the chapter, Mr. Sunday Maseko, castigated reported that they were sexually abused government could no longer sustain education officers,” Zhou said. number of homeless people due to people living with AIDS who take at one point or another and this was Operation Murambatsvina. the program. advantage of children and said it does usually because the perpetrators are the At another school in Masvingo not lessen the plight of the disease but it ones providing accommodation, school North, Zishumbe Primary School fees and food to the victims” she said. “We have land that we can develop for However, the Mayor said that if the increases the burden and the pandemic. in ward 32 war veterans are Garikayi/Hlalani Kuhle operation threatening to weed out all teachers housing and help decrease the backlog,” The MP is currently working with Child thought to be sympathetic to councillor Moyo said. “The just ended was to be handed to local authorities. “People living with AIDS line, AIDS networks and other child the MDC. convention has given us hope as local a comprehensive land audit would have should not take advantage of organizations to alleviate the burden on government that housing to be done first. young children,” Maseko said. the children living with HIV/Aids.

2 Acquittals an indictment on partisan Attorney-General HARARE - The MDC is once again vindicated by the acquittals at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts of two of its MPs who were facing trumped-charges.

While the AG has shown unprecedented enthusiasm to persecute MDC officials on fickle and laughable charges which are crumbling every day in court, there has not been a single arrest or prosecution of known Zanu PF officials who killed and maimed people in the post-29 March violence.

MDC National Youth chairperson and deputy Youth Minister, Hon. and Hon. Heya Shoko, the Bikita West MP, were both acquitted on Monday.

Hon. Mahlangu and his aide, Malvern Chadamoyo were facing trumped- up charges of stealing a cellphone from self-styled war veteran, Joseph Chinotimba in Harare two months ago.

The two were incarcerated for some Hon Thamsanqa Mahlangu Hon. Heya Shoko days after the State denied them bail. of members and officials of the should never have been brought before but examine them thoroughly and only had shown disdain and contempt for Hon. Shoko was facing fraud charges of MDC, together with human rights the courts. proceed in those matters where there is court officials. abusing the agricultural inputs scheme. defenders and other peace loving “If the AG has any dignity left, he credible evidence at hand.” Zimbabweans,” said MDC secretary for “The Rule of Law must be applied “We never doubted their innocence Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. should simply examine the remaining cases and withdraw them instead of However, he said while the judiciary uniformly and those found guilty of and the acquittals also followed the Innocent Gonese. wasting time and resources trying to was not perfect, the MDC saluted contempt of court should be incarcerated acquittals of other victims of the flog a dead horse,” Hon. Gonese said. perverted justice system of Zimbabwe Hon. Gonese said it was time for the members of the bench who had shown otherwise the administration of justice where the Attorney-General (AG) AG to have introspection because “The role of a prosecuting authority the courage to stand up to the antics of will be brought into disrepute,” said has taken the role of chief persecutor all the cases against MDC members is not simply to prosecute all matters, some officials from the AG’s office who Hon. Gonese. MDC Ministers’ Forum Uninterrupted power supply by June 2010 - Eng Mudzuri

HARARE - The Minister of Energy “We have managed to improve the that would see the price of and Power Development, Hon. Elias electricity situation in the country and fuel in Zimbabwe pegged to Mudzuri, has said his ministry has as a result, industry and commerce international prices. embarked on a major rehabilitation have started kicking but due to some exercise to ensure that Zimbabwe constraints, consumers cannot get 100 Minister Mudzuri said he was has uninterrupted power supplies percent power supplies at the moment,” working on a plan to audit both by June 2010. he said. ZESA and NOCZIM in order to “clear off failure in areas we think Hon. Mudzuri said although the He said the government had managed to management has not done enough.” Zimbabwe Electricity Supply rehabilitate four power units at Hwange Authority (ZESA) was still facing Power Station from only one that However, Minister Mudzuri problems in providing adequate was functioning in February and as a power supplies to consumers, the challenged the residents and result the power station was producing businesses to pay their bills as company was working flat out to 750 megawatts. improve the situation. this was one way of improving power supplies, maintenance and Zimbabwe also imports electricity from “When I became the Minister of infrastructure development. Mozambique, Zambia and Snel from Energy nine months ago, it was the DRC. hectic. We had very little electricity “Non-payment of bills is a challenge supply in the country due to failure as even government is failing to pay “We have also managed to undertake to import power because of the then its electricity bills because of the urgent maintenance work at Kariba unstable political environment, political environment,” he said. vandalism, cable theft and aged Power Station,” said Minister Mudzuri. circuit,” Eng Mudzuri said. He said although the country was Before becoming Energy Minister, Hon. Mudzuri as the Mayor of Before Hon. Mudzuri became the saddled with a debt of US$450 million, the government was looking for Eng Harare, is credited for turning the Energy Minister, the then Zanu PF - City of Harare into a world class led government was able to provide international investors to resuscitate city before Zanu PF’s Ignatius only 750 megawatts across the Harare, Bulawayo and Sanyati Power Minister Mudzuri also said that when he “Of late the situation has improved and Chombo dismissed the then MDC- country. Since the formation of the Stations, which have not functioned got into office, Zimbabwe was getting fuel is coming into Zimbabwe everyday. led council. inclusive government in February, for years. fuel supplies that would last only a day power supply has improved to or two. “In our 100 day ministry plan, we have 1 650 megawatts per day. Minister Mudzuri said he hoped that in managed to give permits to the private Minister Mudzuri said his vision the 2010 national budget to be presented sector to supply fuel and right now was to see every Zimbabwean At one point fuel shortages seriously However, Minister Mudzuri, who is in Parliament by Finance Minister, Hon. we have an improvement but the only enjoying cheap, accessible also the MDC National Organising later this month, his ministry affected the operations of the country as challenge is that the price of fuel is still electricity and fuel. Secretary, said the country was would get between US$70 million to the National Oil Company of Zimbabwe high at above US$1.00,” he said. still experiencing a shortfall of 310 US$100 million, which would mainly (NOCZIM), the government-run “It is a tough vision but it is not megawatts as the country needed 1 go towards equipment maintenance importer of fuel, failed to import the He said his ministry was working difficult to achieve,” declared 960 megawatts per day. and rehabilitation. commodity due to political bungling. on introducing “trigger measures” Eng Mudzuri.

3 President to address major rally in Chitungwiza HARARE - President Morgan Others senior leaders who will attend The rallies, which have been held Tsvangirai will on Sunday address the rally are national organising across the country under the theme; a rally at Chibuku Stadium in secretary, Hon. Elias Mudzuri and “Celebrating a Decade of Courage, Chitungwiza to mark the 10th the secretary for information and Conviction and Leadership” are a publicity, Hon. Nelson Chamisa. anniversary celebrations expected to celebration to mark the MDC’s 10 be attended by thousands of President Tsvangirai is expected to years in existence. MDC supporters. touch on a number of issues among them the decision by the MDC to The rallies have been held President Tsvangirai will be disengage from Zanu PF on 16 throughout the country’s provinces accompanied by the MDC October as well as the outcome with the main celebrations being leadership comprising his deputy, of the SADC Troika on Politics, held at White City Stadium in Defence and Security meeting held in Hon. Thokozani Khupe, national Maputo, Mozambique yesterday. Bulawayo on 13 September. chairman Hon. , secretary-general Hon Tendai President Tsvangirai is also expected The next and final provincial rally Biti and his deputy, Hon. to speak on the state of the party 10 will be held in Harare at the end Tapiwa Mashakada. years after its formation in 1999. of the month. President Morgan Tsvangirai addresses a recent rally State withdraws extortion Bennett’s lawyer arrested charges against MDC activists HARARE – A Harare lawyer, Mordecai Mahlangu, has been arrested for writing MUTARE – At least 155 MDC November for the continuation of The police activists in Manicaland province, trial when they appeared before the a letter to the Attorney General (AG), who were facing flimsy charges same Magistrate on 2 November. Johannes Tomana protesting against a arrested of extortion following their efforts subpoena directing Peter Hitschamann Mahlangu, to recover their livestock and In Nyanga, 88 MDC activists who property looted by Zanu PF thugs to testify in the trial of the MDC’s are also facing charges of extortion on Monday during last year’s State and Zanu were removed from remand when treasurer-general, Senator Roy Bennett. for writing PF sponsored violence, had their their trial failed to kick off on 28 charges withdrawn on Monday in October after the State prosecutor The trial on trumped-up treason charges a letter to Buhera and Nyanga. said he had no docket for the of Senator Bennett, who is also the accused persons. Tomana Peter Zvenyika and 23 other deputy Agriculture minister, is set to protesting Buhera MDC activists who were Appearing for the accused, Blessing kick off at the High Court in Harare facing charges of extortion had Nyamaropa of the Zimbabwe on Monday. against the their charges withdrawn on the Lawyers for Human Rights applied subpoena commencement of their trial before for the 88 to be removed from Murambinda Magistrate Tendai remand on the basis that the State The police arrested Mahlangu, on Senator Roy Bennett Mahwe. papers were not in order. Monday for writing a letter to Tomana protesting against the subpoena Hitschmann is being forced to testify as However, he served a total of 40 months The charges were withdrawn after The magistrate said the 88 would be the complainants’ lawyers applied called to court by way of summons. directing Hitschmann, to testify in a State witness against Senator Bennett for possessing dangerous firearms for the case to be withdrawn on Senator Bennett’s trial despite the although he made it clear when he was without a licence (although he was a the basis that the accused were Thousands of Zanu PF thugs stole fact that his statements were extracted now living in harmony with the released from jail in July that he has no registered firearms dealer at the time). livestock and other property from through torture. complainants. MDC activists in the post 29 March evidence against Bennett. The Attorney-General is an outstanding violence but were never arrested. In a separate case in Buhera, When MDC activists demanded the Mahlangu was accused of obstructing issue in the implementation of the Josephine Matovhere and eight The firearms dealer was arrested return of their property following the course of justice and was brought Global Political Agreement as he has other MDC supporters who are the formation of the inclusive before a Harare magistrate who for allegedly plotting to assassinate shown overt bias and a willingness facing similar charges of extortion government in February, they were had their case remanded to 18 remanded him out of custody to President Robert Mugabe in Mutare in to be used by Zanu PF to persecute instead charged with extortion. November 15 on a US$100 bail. 2006, but was acquitted. innocent MDC officials and supporters. Tortured MDC official finally hospitalised

HARARE - The MDC transport assaulted by State security agents Mufakose home in Harare last week by he was forced to sign the Detention only showed the Magistrate his injuries manager, Pascal Gwezere, who is last week. armed State security agents. Book, although he was never detained when he first appeared in court last facing trumped-up charges of stealing at that police station. He spent each Saturday. His lawyer immediately applied to have him treated at the arms of war from Pomona Army Gwezere, facing contrived charges Yesterday Gwezere was supposed to be night sleeping in an office at Harare Barracks in Borrowdale, has finally of stealing 20 AK-47 rifles and brought to Harare Magistrates’ Courts prison hospital. Central Police Station, although been hospitalised at Harare Remand receiving military training 10 years where his application for refusal of Prison hospital after he was severely ago in Uganda, was abducted from his further remand lodged by his lawyer lawyers who searched for him there Attempts on Sunday by another rights lawyer Irene Petras to have Gwezere was supposed to be heard. But, prison during the course of the week were seen by a private doctor were futile, informed by officers in the Law and officials failed to bring him to court as the medical doctor was barred from citing transport and fuel shortages. Order section that he was not in their entering Harare Remand Prison by the custody. The MDC worker was denied Chief Prisons Officer, one Nyamapfeni. The magistrate had to further remand food and legal representation during his The prison doctor, one Dr. Dhobi, Gwezere in custody in absentia to today incommunicado detention. refused to attend to Gwezere and treat and ordered the State to make sure that his injuries despite being telephoned by he was brought to court for the hearing. prison officers in the presence of Petras Gwezere accused his abductors of and the private doctor. torturing him since his abduction last Gwezere’s lawyer, Alec Muchadehama, Tuesday. Muchadehama said Gwezere Muchadehama on Monday filed an blasted the State for failing to bring him sustained serious injuries on his head, application at the Harare Magistrates’ to court saying this was “an attack on Court before Magistrate Archie the justice system as he had the right to wrist, mouth, ear, feet, leg, buttocks, Wochiunga seeking permission for defend himself in court.” back and genitals which were tied and Gwezere to be examined and treated pulled for a long time during the torture by a medical practitioner of his own Muchadehama, who visited Gwezere sessions. The human rights lawyer choice. He was finally taken into the on Sunday 1 November at Harare said Gwezere is having difficulties remand prison hospital after Magistrate Remand Prison, said the MDC Wochiunga ordered him to be examined in walking as his left leg is getting and treated immediately. Transport Manager was abducted by septic and is also having difficulties military intelligence officers, Central The State alleges that Gwezere broke in sleeping. Intelligence Organisation (CIO) into Pomona Army Barracks One operatives, detectives from Law Engineers Support Regiment Armoury and Order, Police Internal Security Gwezere told Muchadehama that the on October 20 2009 together with a lady Intelligence (PISI) and 15 police torture sessions also included being only identified as Getrude and several officers who were in anti-riot gear. blindfolded, beaten under the feet, army officers and stole 20 AK 47 rifles and a shot gun, which they allegedly falanga style, and being beaten about took to an unknown destination. Gwezere said he was forced into an the head, body and buttocks with Isuzu KB 250 twin cab and driven to truncheons and clenched fists. Gwezere is also facing a second charge Marimba Police Station before being of receiving military training in 1999 The MDC as a people’s project, values your opinions. taken to various places where he was The human rights lawyer said Gwezere at Soroti Training Camp in Uganda Please feel free to send news, alerts or letters expressing your views interrogated about President Morgan in destabilise the government of did not raise any complaints against and comments to MDC Information and Tsvangirai’s disengagement from Zimbabwe upon their return. his abductors and the police in court Publicity Department or email: Cabinet and Council of Ministers’ [email protected] meetings. He was later taken to because of fear. They had threatened The State has lined up Last Ngwenya, a Rhodesville Police Station where him against reporting them. Gwezere CIO operative, as its star witness.

MDC Information & Publicity Department, Harvest House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe • Tel: +263 4 793 250 www.mdc.co.zw

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