News / Local
Human skeleton found at Byo's Killarney squatter camp
23 Feb 2012 at 13:58hrs | Views
POLICE raided Killarney squatter camp on Sunday and rounded up more than 30 members of the illegal settlement following the discovery of a human skeleton in the area. Those rounded up were briefly detained at Cement Siding Police Station.
An action-packed scene unfolded as squatters reportedly jumped over fences and brick walls at Killarney suburb, in an effort to escape from the police.
The acting Bulawayo police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Simango, confirmed the discovery of the human remains.
A resident at the squatter camp who spoke on condition of anonymity said the police struck when they were having their supper.
"I was having supper with my family when I heard coded whistling, which warns us that police or suspicious strangers have arrived at the settlement. I whistled to warn others and quickly made my escape," said the squatter.
He said there were police officers everywhere, but he managed to avoid them by running to hide in the nearby Killarney suburb with a group of other squatters.
He said about 30 of his friends were "captured" by the police and taken for questioning at the police station.
"My friends said they were not ill-treated. The police asked them to supply information that might lead to the identification of a human skeleton that was discovered near the settlement on Saturday. They were released and asked to spread the word that anyone who knew anything about the skeleton should contact the police," said the man.
A resident at Killarney suburb said there was a loud noise as dogs started barking and they heard the sounds of footsteps as people jumped over security walls surrounding houses.
"We were terrified as we did not know what was happening. We called the Hillside and Cement Siding Police Station for assistance. Members of the neighbourhood watch committee later informed us that there had been a raid at the squatter camp," he said.
Asst Insp Simango said the human remains were found near a mine in the area.
Although she could not confirm the raid, she said police routinely visited the area to weed out criminal elements who often hid at the camp.
"The remains, believed to be of a male adult, were found near Sangoma Mine, an area near the squatter camp at Cement Siding," said Asst Insp Simango.
She said the remains were dressed in old blue jeans and a tattered green shirt.
"We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that might help us to identify the remains to contact their nearest police station. They can also use the police suggestion boxes if they do not want to reveal their identities. Alternatively, they can call the 24-hour Bulawayo police hotline (09) 885479," said Asst Insp Simango.
An action-packed scene unfolded as squatters reportedly jumped over fences and brick walls at Killarney suburb, in an effort to escape from the police.
The acting Bulawayo police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Simango, confirmed the discovery of the human remains.
A resident at the squatter camp who spoke on condition of anonymity said the police struck when they were having their supper.
"I was having supper with my family when I heard coded whistling, which warns us that police or suspicious strangers have arrived at the settlement. I whistled to warn others and quickly made my escape," said the squatter.
He said there were police officers everywhere, but he managed to avoid them by running to hide in the nearby Killarney suburb with a group of other squatters.
He said about 30 of his friends were "captured" by the police and taken for questioning at the police station.
"My friends said they were not ill-treated. The police asked them to supply information that might lead to the identification of a human skeleton that was discovered near the settlement on Saturday. They were released and asked to spread the word that anyone who knew anything about the skeleton should contact the police," said the man.
A resident at Killarney suburb said there was a loud noise as dogs started barking and they heard the sounds of footsteps as people jumped over security walls surrounding houses.
"We were terrified as we did not know what was happening. We called the Hillside and Cement Siding Police Station for assistance. Members of the neighbourhood watch committee later informed us that there had been a raid at the squatter camp," he said.
Asst Insp Simango said the human remains were found near a mine in the area.
Although she could not confirm the raid, she said police routinely visited the area to weed out criminal elements who often hid at the camp.
"The remains, believed to be of a male adult, were found near Sangoma Mine, an area near the squatter camp at Cement Siding," said Asst Insp Simango.
She said the remains were dressed in old blue jeans and a tattered green shirt.
"We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that might help us to identify the remains to contact their nearest police station. They can also use the police suggestion boxes if they do not want to reveal their identities. Alternatively, they can call the 24-hour Bulawayo police hotline (09) 885479," said Asst Insp Simango.
Source - TC
