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Detectives to testify to police torture of robbers
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
July 01, 2010

New evidence on the death circumstance of the late suspected armed robbers Andrew Jabulani Quenten and Nehemiah Temai Vumbunu point to police foul play.

Mrs. Doreen Phulu, of Dube Banda, Nzarayapenga and Partners, who is representing the Sibanda family in the letter addressed to the provincial magistrate responsible for Bulawayo and Matebelelalnd North, Mr. John Masimba alleges that the two were killed while in police custody at Bulawayo Central Police Station Homicide Section.

It is alleged that the two were severely beaten by the Police at Bulawayo Central Police Station's Homicide section leading to their death. The detectives involved in the beating then staged a shooting of Sibanda and Vumbunu in Queens Park to clear themselves of murder charges. However an eyewitness and also a detective at the staged scene has come forward to testify on his own initiative.

The final judgement had been scheduled for last Friday but has since been postponed due to the new evidence. During the hearing Bobby Tizai Tapera told the court that he was picked up along with Vumbunu and were severely beaten the whole day and were later moved to the police holding cells in the evening. At this point he observed that both Sibanda and Vumbunu had suffered injuries on the legs and could not walk. Upon being forced to carry the pair, efforts by Tapera and other suspects were unsuccessful because they seems lifeless.

ZimRights castigates the continued human rights violation of civilians by the police and other state security. This case should be investigated further and those guilty brought to book. Last Saturday, the world commemorated the United Nation International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The court should implement the law and no one is above it. The government of Zimbabwe must ratify and domesticate the United Nations Convention Against Torture. This would ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and a brought to trial.

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