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The Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ) National Coordinator, Innocent Kasiyano, together with his Zimbabwe Youth Forum counterpart, Wellington Zindove, was brutally assaulted by uniformed military members at the 2 Brigade barracks in Cranborne, Harare yesterday evening. The two Coordinators were discussing pertinent issues relating to the national crisis in the company of fellow youth activists, Washington Katema (ZINASU Coordinator), Cleto Manjova from Christian Care among others at Breaside Shopping center. The two were picked up by military details upon instruction from a high ranking military official only identified as Danisa Mpofu based at the 2 Brigade military bases in Breaside. The two were in military custody from around 1930hrs till around midnight when the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights Director, Arnold Tsunga, intervened on their behalf liaising through the Breaside Police station. The two were later released after severe beatings which resulted in them sustaining serious injuries. The SCMZ National Coordinator sustained injuries on both legs and is yet to regain his full ability to walk. Wellington Zindove bled profusely from the mouth and nostrils and had swollen eyes. The two are still receiving medical assistance from private medical practitioners.

These incidents bear further testimony of a nation in turmoil where state paranoia has reached alarming levels that bona fide discussion on national issues are perceived as regime change agendas. Zimbabwean citizens now live in perpetual fear of their own government. In spite of all the odds, Zimbabweans are encouraged to remain vigilant in their resolve to see a better Zimbabwe blossoming in economic prosperity and social stability.

"It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. Fearlessness is the best response to governmental violence . . . Truth, justice and compassion . . . is often the only bulwarks against ruthless power . . ."
(The Nobel Peace Prize Committee, Oslo, Norway 1991, quoting from an essay by Aung San Suu Kyi in their citation to her Nobel Peace Prize.)

Psalms 72: 4 "May He defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor!"

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