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Armed Police Attack Patrons At A Night Club In Masvingo |
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Tuesday, 18 November 2008 15:45 |
MASVINGO — Revellers enjoying a good night out got a rude awakening last Friday when they were severely assaulted by armed officers who accused them of buying alcohol in foreign currency.
The police officers clad in riot gear and armed with AK 47 assault rifles pounced on the unsuspecting revellers at around mid-night at Liquids nightclub.
They demanded to know why patrons were buying the beverages in foreign currency before pouncing on them with baton sticks.
The Standard witnessed the officers beating up the revellers. Some of the officers appeared drunk.
Revellers who were visibly shocked by the raid, reminiscent of events last seen in the run-up to the violent June 27 presidential election run-off, pleaded with the menacing police officers for mercy.
The police then demanded the closure of the club, accusing the owners of selling their beer in foreign currency.
“We wonder whether police brutality in this country will ever come to an end,” said Esau Gonese, who was nursing a broken arm.
Officials at the club who declined to be named for fear of victimisation said they were surprised by the police action against defenceless patrons.
“We were surprised to see armed police officers descending on our club and beating up everyone for no reason and later ordering us to close the bar before chasing away our clients.
“We also wondered why they targeted our club and ignored others.”
Police spokesperson, Inspector Phebion Nyambo, said he was not aware of the incident
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