Brutal attacks around Masvingo

Advertise on The Zimbabwean

Written by James

Monday, 16 June 2008 13:09

Lowveld News 14th June 2008
Bikita West
The manager of Bikita Minerals, Nigel Macphail and his girl friend Susara Van Greunen were severely assaulted by some 60 ZANU PF militia at the mine offices on the 12th June. It seems that there were two reasons why they were assaulted, the first being that they were MDC supporters and the second reason was because Susara took workers who had been beaten by the same militia the day before to Masvingo Hospita, for treatment of wounds inflicted on them.
Nigel had been told that they were not to assist the injured workers. The owners have also been given 10 days to pack up and leave the mine.
The Bikita police had prior warning of the impending attacks, but were ordered not to respond. The Masvingo Province Governor Willard Chiwewe who is a staunch ZANU PF and is on the Board of Directors of Bikita Minerals also knew of the impending attacks but refused to intervene.
The mine is situated 80km to the East of Masvingo on the Birchenough bridge road.
Bikita East
Some 20 armed militia attacked and burnt part of the Mutari Holiday Resort complex on the banks of the Save River. The resort is run by the MDC winning candidate Mr Mililo. The winning MDC councilor for that ward with some employees were severely beaten and a lot of bedding and equipment was stolen. Mr Mililo fled to South Africa a week ago when he received death threats from the militia.
Mwenezi West
In the Maranda communal area on the night of the 12th June, two people were bludgeoned to death by the militia after being forced to swear allegiance to ZANU PF and 50 others were badly beaten. The police did respond at first but were prevented and threatened by the militia; they have asked for reinforcements so that they can safely investigate this attack.
Mwenezi East
On the night of the 13th June, Chris Muzenda's house was burnt to the ground, he was not there at the time and the report indicated that no one was injured.

Comments (0)

Only registered users can write comments!

Weather from Harare - Partly Cloudy

29°C

Wind: 10 kph S

Humidity: 23%

Sunrise: 6:01 am

Sunset: 5:48 pm

Fri - Clear

Hi: 28°C
Low: 13°C

Sat - Sunny

Hi: 28°C
Low: 14°C

Uk retailers