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Post-election violence 2008 - Index of articles & images
Detention
centres used for torture
Murewa
Community Development Trust (MCDT)
April 19, 2008
The war veterans
and youth militia have set up Detention Centres which are being
used to torture opposition and human rights activists throughout
Murewa communities, about 75km east of Harare, Zimbabwe. Non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) that provide food aid and other essential services
in our communities have also suspended operations. As a precaution,
NGOs, including the Murewa Community Development Trust have temporarily
shut down offices for fear of reprisals by war veterans and the
youth militia. Violence in Murewa is being perpetrated by the youth
militia and Zanu PF officials, David Parirenyatwa, a District Co-ordinating
Committee member, Mavhungire and the newly elected Senator, Bright
Makunde who owns Hot Pot Restaurant and other businesses in Murewa
Centre.
Our investigations have so far revealed that the same youths and
war veterans who caused havoc during the 2000 parliamentary and
2002 presidential elections are the ones who are causing disturbances
in Murewa. Yesterday our investigating team drove to Corner Store
(along the Harare-Nyamapanda highway) and saw a dilapidated building
that is being used by war veterans to launch attacks against opposition
members in the neighboring villages. Murewa Community Trust also
interviewed the MDC local leaders who have revealed that more than
20 activists are fearing for their lives after receiving death threats.
More MDC activists have temporarily relocated, leaving behind their
children and wives. The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
in Murewa is increasing as more and more people are fleeing their
homes for fear of being attacked.
We call upon the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to fully investigate
the detention centres at Murewa Centre and Corner Store. These centres
must be shut down and the criminals manning them must be brought
to justice.
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