News / National
Zim cops kill one, injure dozens for a stolen phone and $1
20 Mar 2012 at 06:14hrs | Views
Zimbabwe police on Saturday reportedly unleashed a brutal crackdown by attacking residents of a mine compound in Shamva, killing one person on allegations they had stolen a purse containing a mobile phone and $1 belonging to the wife of the officer-in-charge at the local police station.
Many others were injured, two of them seriously and are battling for life at Shashe Hospital in Bindura.
National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijeja confirmed the tragic incident.
The deceased was identified as Laxmore Chivambo (age not given).
The attack triggered massive demonstrations yesterday as hundreds of residents besieged the police station, baying for the blood of the perpetrators.
The angry demonstrators vowed to leave no stone unturned in their bid to have the officer-in-charge, only identified as Inspector Shumba, and his officers brought to book. However, gates to the police station were locked and were manned by riot police. Earlier, the police fired teargas to disperse the angry demonstrators who were poised to mete instant justice on the police officers.
Victims said the attack was triggered by the "theft" of the purse of Shumba's wife who had gone to the compound to sell her wares.
The tragedy comes hard on the heels of a similar rampage by soldiers in Mutare early this month who stormed the Sakubva police base and assaulted police officers for allegedly arresting their colleague for reportedly attacking civilians.
Many others were injured, two of them seriously and are battling for life at Shashe Hospital in Bindura.
National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijeja confirmed the tragic incident.
The deceased was identified as Laxmore Chivambo (age not given).
The attack triggered massive demonstrations yesterday as hundreds of residents besieged the police station, baying for the blood of the perpetrators.
The angry demonstrators vowed to leave no stone unturned in their bid to have the officer-in-charge, only identified as Inspector Shumba, and his officers brought to book. However, gates to the police station were locked and were manned by riot police. Earlier, the police fired teargas to disperse the angry demonstrators who were poised to mete instant justice on the police officers.
Victims said the attack was triggered by the "theft" of the purse of Shumba's wife who had gone to the compound to sell her wares.
The tragedy comes hard on the heels of a similar rampage by soldiers in Mutare early this month who stormed the Sakubva police base and assaulted police officers for allegedly arresting their colleague for reportedly attacking civilians.
Source - newsday
