A woman who was/is at Masvingo Teacher’s College quarantine centre narrated how the protests ended with her fist-fighting a police officer who according to her provoked the fight, The Standard reports. Edith Chisirimumhu narrated the events that lead to here exchanging blows with a police officer only identified as Mashayamombe S
Said Chisirimunhu:
People were protesting demanding to be addressed by the social welfare and health officials because what we were told when we were quarantined and what is happening are totally different things.
I was seated on a chair and he ordered me off. I asked him why he was forcing me off among all the people. He hit me on the shoulder and breast. I did not retaliate. Other police officers ran away as the conflict escalated.
At that time, people were in the kitchen canteen demanding to be addressed, by Mr Nzou (a welfare officer). The police officer threatened to beat me up. He threw away his service hat, rolling up his sleeves while advancing towards me, daring me to fight him.
I threw away my phone after realising I was in danger. I fought back when he beat me.We started fighting and when people intervened to stop the fight, the police officer grabbed my right hand and bit me on the finger. I bled profusely. I have been attended to and the finger is now bandaged.
Protests also reportedly erupted in Harare were returnees are claiming they have overstayed and they want to be released and go home since they have completed the mandatory quarantine period.
When contacted for comment ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he is not aware of any protests on any quarantine centres.
More: The Standard
Back to top