CID officers bludgeon suspect with iron bars

Four Marondera Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers, who allegedly battered a 53-year-old murder suspect using iron bars, have appeared before Marondera magistrate Josephine Sande facing assault charges.

Bright Gadhi, James Chapusa, Macdonald Musunda and Douglas Magwere, however, pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting Hamfrey Joe at his home where they were investigating him over a murder case.
The matter was postponed to August 26 for continuation of trial.

According to court papers, on July 13, the detectives, led by Gadhi, proceeded to Joe's house in Rujeko high-density suburb, Marondera, to pick him as a suspect in a murder case which occurred in May.

Upon arrival, it is alleged the accused persons knocked at the door before handcuffing the complainant who had opened the door for them.

The complainant indicated that he was not aware of the murder case. The detectives then allegedly requested for an iron bar which was used in the murder, but the complainant said he was not aware of the case.

It is alleged the accused then took an iron bar from the complainant's room divider and struck him with it on his shinbone and knees.

They allegedly assaulted the complainant several times until the iron bar separated into two pieces.

The complainant was then taken to the police station. A medical report was obtained from Marondera Provincial Hospital and produced in court as evidence of the injuries sustained.

Tariro Shirichena represented the State.