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My encounter with the riot police
Taurai Maduna
November 20, 2003

Yesterday, at around 6.45pm I was almost carried away by the riot police. The Bulawayo city council has a designated point where people should go to board the commuter omnibus. This place is along Lobengula Street and is normally referred to as Egodini. People living in Umganwini, Nketa and Munyoro normally board their commuter taxis at the corner of Fort Street and 11th Avenue near TM Hyper.

The riot police now wait at the popular pick up points making sure nobody boards at these points. Yesterday they warned us that anybody who gets into the commuter omnibus or the private cars at these points will be beaten up. Just as they were taking patrols around the area, a private 504 station wagon came up and we jumped in assuming the police were a distance away. Before the car was full and able to depart, they came cruising in our direction. I managed to open the door quickly and jumped out with one lady. 4 other people including the driver were very unlucky to be caught in the vehicle by the riot. 2 of the riot police got into the car and told the driver to drive towards the drill hall.

I do not know the fate of these people and the driver but they must have been beaten up or made to pay fines. However, people refer to the riot as vana rovayi - (Shona for experts in beating) because they are ruthless and very serious when they start their beatings. As they patrolled they warned people to go kugodini or they will use tear gas.

Surely can we continue to be this intimidated in our own country, after a hard day at work the last thing I need is to play hide and seek with the riot police on how I can safely get home.

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