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5 Hwange police torture victims hearing case set for next year

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FIVE Hwange women’s bid to get justice for being brutally tortured by the police when anti-riot officers broke up a peaceful protest by disgruntled wives

FIVE Hwange women’s bid to get justice for being brutally tortured by the police when anti-riot officers broke up a peaceful protest by disgruntled wives of Hwange Colliery Company (HCCL) employees that had gone for seven months without pay, will take a little longer, as there are indications that the matter will be heard next year.

Richard Muponde Senior Court Reporter

The women filed a combined lawsuit demanding more than $100 000 from the police for the injuries and humiliation they suffered.

The protest took place on October 7 2013 in the mining town and police intervention left some of the miners’ wives seriously injured.

The women’s lawyer, Tanaka Muganyi, last week confirmed that matter could be heard in the next term of the High Court in the 2015 legal year.

“The matter is still to be heard,” Muganyi said.

“We have not been advised of the hearing date. The matter will most likely be heard in the next term of the High Court,” he said.

“So far, the State has filed their discovery affidavits.”

Police have since opposed the lawsuit.

According to summons before the Bulawayo High Court filed by the women’s lawyer, four of the women, Thokozile Sibanda, Luzani Ngwenya, Evelyn Dube and Judith Mangena are demanding $20 000 each for malicious detention and humiliation.

The fifth woman, Margaret Mpofu, who was admitted at hospital nursing injuries from the alleged police brutality, is demanding $20 000 damages for assault and $1 500 for future medical expenses.

Hwange Police Station officer-in-charge, a Chief Inspector Chigede, police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri and Home Affairs minister Kembo Mohadi are cited as the respondents in the lawsuit.