Twelve vendors, who were arrested after alleged clashes with law enforcement agents in January this year, yesterday appeared at the Harare Magistrates Courts charged with public violence.
They were all represented by Aleck Muchadehama and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
One of the accused, Mclean Barnaba Mapipi Mwanaka (27), stood in the dock with the aid of crutches after his leg was allegedly broken by police officers while in detention.
According to the State, the vendors allegedly involved in the skirmishes were Mwanaka, Taurai Nherera (17), Simbarashe Keith Makaha (35), Jefias Moyo, who is also being charged with the Glen View murder of police Inspector Petros Mutedza, and was arrested while out on bail and Leonard Dendera (29).
The list also includes Muchineripi Muzengeza (34), Patson Murimoga (32), Samson Nerwande (40), Murambiwa Dzwenge (38), Kudakwashe Usai (20), Simbarashe Chinodya (28) and Paul Majarira whose age was not mentioned in court papers.
Allegations are that on January 11, Harare Central Police officers carried out an operation aimed at arresting illegal vendors operating along Nelson Mandela Avenue.
It is alleged the vendors teamed-up, armed themselves with stones and iron bars and attacked uniformed officers only identified in court papers as Sergeant Chitima and Constable Mutanda.
The gang is also alleged to have attacked plainclothed police officers, Tatenda Zhou, Aaron Mutsengi and Shadreck Matare who were patrolling along the same road.
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The State further alleged on the same day, the vendors pounced on First Street police base where they destroyed 12 window panes and were identified by witnesses leading to their arrest.
In their deferent defences, the vendors told Harare magistrate Tendai Mahwe they never participated in the alleged violence, but were victims of circumstances.
Some told the court that they were arrested while selling belts, books and newspapers. Others said they were nabbed as they drank water at the MDC regalia shop, next to Harvest House.
They all, however, told the court they were brutally assaulted by police officers who allegedly used truncheons, stones, bricks and booted feet.
The court also heard Mwanaka was allegedly struck on his leg with a brick by one police officer. Trial continues tomorrow.
