A court in Zimbabwe has ordered an internal police probe into the serious assault while in custody of an opposition activist, reports said on Friday.
Magistrate Lazarus Murendo also ordered that the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) activist, Phillip Mabika, be treated in hospital, the official Herald newspaper said.
”The police commissioner should direct a unit from Internal Investigations or any other independent unit to investigate the alleged assaults on Mabika and submit findings by May 12 this year,” Murendo was quoted as saying.
”The doctor should ascertain the injuries that he sustained and possible cause thereof,” he added.
The paper said the magistrate examined Mabika in cells at the court and found that the activist had deep cuts on his wrists, apparently from tight handcuffs, and a swollen back.
There was also evidence of blunt trauma on both knees as well as lacerations on the legs, the Herald said.
According to the MDC, Mabika was arrested on April 5 in connection with a spate of petrol-bomb attacks around the country that President Robert Mugabe’s government blames on the opposition party.
Mabika is being held along with 12 other MDC officials and activists, including MP Paul Madzore, former journalist Luke Tamborinyoka and another senior party official, Ian Makone.
The state accuses them of, among other charges, undergoing terrorist training in neighbouring South Africa. They deny the charges and say they’ve been framed.
Mugabe’s government began a concerted crackdown on opponents on March 11, when dozens of activists, including MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, were arrested while trying to attend a prayer meeting in Harare.
They were severely beaten by police while in custody, provoking a storm of international condemnation.
Mugabe says police have a right to bash people engaging in street demonstrations, which have been outlawed in Harare.
This week 56 mainly women activists and a baby were allegedly beaten in police custody for holding a peaceful demonstration in Harare against worsening power cuts.
Political tensions are high ahead of presidential and parliamentary polls scheduled to take place next year, in which Mugabe is to stand as his ruling party’s candidate after 28 years in power. — Sapa-dpa