Hwange Colliery workers' wives severely assaulted by police

Police in Hwange town severely assaulted wives of Hwange Colliery Company workers as they marching towards the company's headquarters protesting over their spouses' five months outstanding salaries.

The assaults happening in the morning.

According to Bulawayo Agenda "Community Witness" in Hwange  four demonstrators sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital while several others are being held at Hwange Central Police Station.  

It is alleged that police used teargas and baton sticks to disperse close to a 100 defenceless women who had gathered at the company's compound, carrying pluck cards demanding that their husbands be given their salaries.

"Police officers did not even listen to the women. When they got to the scene they ran towards the group and started beating everyone within reach," said the Community Witness

Talking to Bulawayo Agenda, one demonstrator said that they wanted to hand over a petition to the company's senior management on behalf of their husbands.

"We are hungry and the management does not want to listen to our husbands' demands," said a demonstrator who requested anonymity.

Police are not willing to comment on the matter.