Harare High Court judge Justice Pisirai Kwenda on Wednesday awarded Robson Pumero, a victim of police brutality, $17 172.18 as damages for shock, pain and suffering. The four perpetrators George Pukayi, Officer Gwasunda, Officer Matenga and Officer Bhunu of CID Marlborough are required to pay the amount in their own personal capacities.
The four perpetrators are reported to have detained Pumero in September 2017 alleging that he had played a role in the robberies committed by his former neighbour. The officers who were drinking assaulted Pumero with beer and soft drink bottles on his hands, shoulders, ankles and knees. They then transported him to the police station where they continued assaulting him using a baton stick with a metal handle until he could not walk. He was released after two days in the cells with no charges levelled against him.
Pumero was represented by Mr Kenias Shonhai, a lawyer at the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum. Said Shonhai,
In the past, police officers used to hide behind the law. Our campaign is unmasking perpetrators who used to hide behind the institutions.
More: Human Rights Forum
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