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Torture in police custody
Zimbabwe Civil Education Trust (ZIMCET)
January 21, 2003

The Zimbabwe Civic Education Trust (ZIMCET) condemns the brutality that those in police custody have been subjected to. A few days ago a magistrate had to order the medical examination of accused persons realising the injuries that they had sustained. Job Sikhala Member of Parliament for St Mary's on being granted bail moved from police custody to hospital for the treatment of injuries sustained during torture in police custody. These actions breach international conventions that protect those in police custody and those in prison. ZIMCET is also worried at the deteriorating safety of those in prison. There have been media reports of alleged poisoning in prison by some accused persons awaiting trial. The former MDC spokesperson Learnmore Jongwe died of chloroquine poisoning under unclear circumstances.

ZIMCET therefore calls on the government in general and the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Justice in particular, to urgently look into these reports and ensure that accused persons are not tortured in police custody and that those in prison are protected. Only then can the peace of those in custody and those in prison be guaranteed.

For further information contact:

Jestina M.Mukoko Public Relations Officer
198 Samora Machel West Belvedere
Box 1858
Harare

Tel: 741552/741358
Fax: 778094

Email:zimcetin@africaonline.co.zw

Visit the ZIMCET fact sheet

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