Passengers Association of Zimbabwe, President, Tafadzwa George Goliati Beaten Up by Riot Police

On Thursday 22 February evening late in the evening, I was beaten up by riot police, some few metres outside the Harare Central Police Station. I and a journalist from 263 Chat had just come out of Harare Central Police Station.

PAZ had been on a fact finding mission, where they were assessing the situation at bus termini in Harare after Harare City had barred kombis from entering the city centre and after the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing had reversed Harare City’s decision to ban kombis from the CBD. Soon after arriving at the Charge Office bus terminus violence erupted and there was a mob which was chasing and attacking police details who were in uniform as well as throwing stones and burning police cars.

I then ran into Harare Central Police Station for safety. We then left Harare Central after we had been advised by the police that it was now safe to go out as the situation had calmed down. We then met riot police at the corner of Inez Terrace and Robson Manyika. They were instructed by their commander to beat up people so that they could disperse.

I was beaten by baton sticks on my back and left hand and I fell down.  Some other individuals, including  journalist from 263 Chat were also similarly attacked. After about five minutes I rose and walked along Jason Moyo and when I got to Batanai Gardens I called some colleagues who were nearby for assistance.  A friend who is a journalist took me to Avenues Clinic where I got medical attention. I was in excruciating pain. I was discharged in the morning. I am still experiencing pain on my left arm which is in a sling and my eye sight has also been affected, partly due to headaches and the effect of teargas.