Daily News
Madhuku left for dead
Date:5-Feb, 2004
ARMED anti-riot police yesterday thwarted a demonstration organised by the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) and allegedly severely beat up the organisation's chairman, Lovemore Madhuku, whom they are said to have left for dead in a bush near the National Sports Stadium on the outskirts of the city centre.
When a Daily News crew arrived at the dumpsite adjacent to the National Sports Stadium where he had been left, Madhuku was lying in a pool of blood as sympathisers were making plans to take him to hospital.
The outspoken constitutional expert, who sustained lacerations on his head and serious injuries all over his body, was admitted to a private hospital.
The NCA has over the years engaged in running battles with the police over several demonstrations held by the organisation to press the government to craft a new constitution.
Madhuku, visibly in pain and withdrawn due to excessive bleeding, said he could not recall some of yesterday's events because he had lost consciousness before he was dumped.
"The last time I remember was when they were saying I was stubborn and had to be eliminated," Madhuku said from the hospital bed where he was recovering.
"I was picked up outside the Parliament building together with eight members and pushed into a truck by the police.
"The others were dropped off on the way and then six police officers started beating me with batons and fists. I remember one police detail saying that I had to be eliminated once and for all."
Madhuku said he was having difficulty hearing. The NCA chairman also said he was in severe pain after sustaining wounds on his head.
Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena, who had earlier indicated that he would comment on the matter, was no longer reachable at the time of going to print last night.
Ernest Mudzengi, the NCA spokesman, said the organisation had not sought police permission for its demonstration.
"We believe that it is the duty of responsible citizens to disobey bad laws. The Public Order and Security Act - POSA - is a bad law. The attempt by the police on Madhuku's life is ample proof that we are now dealing with a thuggish government bent on eliminating its perceived enemies."
Thirteen NCA youths who were beaten by the police were yesterday receiving treatment at a private surgery and said the police had set vicious dogs on them.
"We had to run for our lives after we were beaten up," said one of the NCA members.
Madhuku said his organisation would continue to demonstrate until its goals were achieved.
"In fact, there will be more and more demonstrations," said Madhuku, who was struggling to speak.
"What has happened today is actually igniting the flame for a new constitution. We will not be deterred by the beatings and cruelty of this regime. They can only stop us by killing us."
Staff Reporter
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