TWO women in Hwange are reportedly battling for life at a
local hospital after being hit by stray bullets fired by police officers who
were raiding informal coal traders.
The women who are neighbours were reportedly shot on
Saturday evening as they sat outside their houses at A section in Madumabisa
Village.
National Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi said: “We are still investigating the unfortunate incident and will have
more details tomorrow.”
However, eyewitnesses told Chronicle that the two women
were chatting at their homes when Zulani Mudenda who had come from bathing was
shot in the abdomen while her unidentified friend was hit on the breast.
“Two women were shot and injured by officers from the
Support Unit stationed at Number 2 showgrounds who opened fire maybe to scare
illegal coke traders during a raid. One of the women who were at the house at A
section, Zulani Mudenda had her stomach ripped open while her neighbour was hit
on the breast,” said a resident.
The raid was reportedly sparked by an increase in the
number of people who are panning for coke at a disused mine dump following
increasing demand from some coal merchants for the product. A 50kg sack of coke
is bought by the merchants at US$3. One woman from the area recently died while
another escaped death by a whisker when they fell into a tunnel before being
buried alive while scrounging for coke at the dumpsite. They suffered burns and
bruises following the mishap and had to spend weeks in hospital.
Residents through their association appealed for an
investigation into the incident arguing that it had left them in a state of
shock and fear.
“As residents we are saddened by the shooting of the two
ladies and we call for a proper and comprehensive investigation of the matter.
There should be no sacred cows,” said Greater Hwange Residents Trust
co-ordinator, Mr Fidelis Chima. Chronicle
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