AT least 30 police officers were attacked, while some
female cops were reportedly indecently assaulted during the recent violent
demonstrations in Bulawayo last week.
Some of the officers were reportedly injured during the
attacks, while one lost his life in the line of duty. Bulawayo provincial
deputy spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the figures, but was
quick to point out that he had not received reports of any female officers
being indecently assaulted. Many citizens were also beaten up and forced to
join the stayaway.
“I don’t know anything about female officers being
indecently assaulted but 30 police officers were injured in the line of duty.
Some were badly injured and are receiving treatment. Some of them have already
reported back to work while some are still recovering from home,” he said.
A police officer was killed on Monday during the violent
protests. The police officer was stoned to death in the city. So far, since the
demonstrations police, in Bulawayo have managed to recover property and
groceries worth thousands of dollars in Entumbane and other suburbs that were
looted by violent demonstrators. The recovered goods include stoves,
refrigerators, freezers, a plough, shoes, exercise books, alcohol and
groceries.
Meanwhile, scores of people who were part of a mob that
allegedly looted shops in Bulawayo’s western suburbs have appeared in court for
public violence and unlawful entry. They allegedly broke into several shops at
Entumbane Shopping Mall and at a butchery in Donnington West before looting
various groceries among other goods.
The accused persons appeared separately at Western
Commonage and Tredgold magistrates’ courts for bail application.
The accused persons were remanded in custody to tomorrow
for bail ruling. The accused persons, who are alleged to be part of a mob of
about 300 people, allegedly went on the rampage destroying private property,
looting and burning shops. Prosecutors said on 16 January at about 11am, the
accused persons connived with several others who are still at large and
proceeded to several shops at Entumbane Shopping Mall and Donnington West Meats
Butchery where they looted the premises. Hundreds are on remand across the
country for similar charges. Sunday News
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