MUTARE South MDC Alliance councillor Herbert Gonyora at the
weekend narrated his harrowing experience at the hands of State security agents
following his arrest and three-day detention at Herbert Chitepo Barracks.
Speaking during the burial of Noah Sahumbe, who died as a
result of internal injuries sustained from alleged assault by the soldiers,
Gonyora alleged that he was abducted at his home during the recent stayaway
called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions over fuel price hikes.
He further claimed that over 100 innocent civilians were
assaulted by armed soldiers in the small township of Zimunya.
“I was on the wanted list and I was abducted in the morning
around 3am on January 16. I was taken to Herbert Chitepo Barracks and on
arrival, I was surprised to see other councillors, including Crispen Dube,” he
said.
“At one time, I was put in solitary confinement at the
barracks. I was heavily assaulted by various objects, including guns. At one
time, I thought that I was not going to survive the beatings. The three days
were horrific to me.”
Mutare mayor Blessing Tandi revealed at the same funeral
that some of the councillors were still
missing.
“I am actually
surprised to see some councillors emerging here at the funeral as they had gone
missing. At the moment, I don’t know where some of the councillors are,”
he said.
“Soldiers are supposed to protect citizens, but I am now
surprised that they are fighting their own people. We are all suffering as
Zimbabweans. We are all buying a loaf a bread for $2,50, no one is spared from
the high cost of living.”
Newsday
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