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(HERALD) Police set free 29 MDC-T political violence suspects

Police set free 29 MDC-T political violence suspects
Herald Reporters

POLICE in Harare have released 29 of the 215 people arrested at MDC-T’s Harvest House headquarters last Friday while those remaining in custody will be tried if they are positively identified by victims of political violence as the perpetrators. By late last night, three of the suspects had been positively identified for malicious injury to property and assault committed in Mashonaland East.

Yesterday, the Government said some excited MDC-T supporters attacked soldiers and the general public in Manicaland Province. Police raided Harvest House last Friday on suspicion that the opposition was harbouring perpetrators of political violence there.

"We released 29 people on Friday, mainly women and babies and the elderly. We have invited victims of political violence where those we rounded up come from to identify anyone who could have committed crimes against them. This is the process we are currently carrying out," chief police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena said yesterday.

"We have profiled everyone we rounded up so that if need arises, we will always make a follow-up."

Asst Comm Bvudzijena dismissed claims that those netted were mainly elderly people.

Statistics given by the police show that 75 of those arrested were aged between 16 and 30 years while only one was in the 61-70 age group.

However, MDC-T lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama yesterday evening said the High Court had issued an order for the release of the opposition supporters.

He said he had gone round police stations where they were detained serving the order, but Asst Comm Bvudzijena said he could not comment on the order because he had not seen it.

In a related matter, the Ministry of Information and Publicity said the MDC-T supporters attacked soldiers

who were training in Rusape.

"The latest incident in which MDC-T supporters sought to attack soldiers on training skirmishes around Chiwetu Rest Camp in Rusape leading to the death of one person and injury of two others is a case in point," the ministry said in a statement.

It warned that attacks on opponents in rural areas would not be tolerated.

"Seeking refuge at party national and provincial headquarters, including safe houses, after committing barbarous acts of politically motivated crimes will not save anyone from the might of the law.

"They will be pursued wherever and whenever until they are accounted for and brought before the courts of law," the ministry said.

The ministry said police had been briefed not to tolerate any acts of criminality anywhere in the country.

"Any victims of crime should immediately report such cases to officers on patrol or at their nearest police station so that any incident is quickly responded to. Crying the innocent victim to the international community is not a substitute for using recourse provided at law," the ministry said.

It said police and members of the defence and security forces would use necessary and appropriate force to ensure that life is respected and property protected.

"Uniformed forces will, therefore, remain alert on the ground to ensure peace and security for everyone in any part of this country."

The ministry appealed to everyone to observe peace and discouraged acts that could lead to anarchy.

It condemned a flurry of distortions and irresponsible statements from within and outside the country by people and organisations "who wish this country harm following the harmonised elections, which were held in an environment of peace and tranquillity".

Labels: MDC

posted by MrK @ 9:17 AM