Mnangagwa promises arrest of soldiers beating man in Sky News report

January 28, 2019

Zimbabwe’s president Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he is “appalled” after seeing reports by Sky News of police and soldiers beating civilians during protests.

Emmerson Mnangagwa tweeted that “this is not the Zimbabwean way” after Sky’s Africa correspondent, John Sparks, revealed the atrocities he has seen in the country over the past week as Zimbabweans protest against a 150% fuel price rise.

“I was appalled by today’s Sky News report. This is not the Zimbabwean way,” the Mnangagwa said.

“I have instructed that the individuals behind this be arrested and encourage all those impacted to contact the authorities and file an official complaint.

Sparks’ eyewitness account told how he saw a policeman striking a man with a truncheon on his head, accompanied by a soldier and a plain clothes security agent who slapped, punched and kicked the man – in broad daylight.

The United Kingdom Sky News crew then followed the group on Harare’s Chirembra Road as the officers ordered the victim to run, then bundled him into a private taxi.

Caught on camera, the policeman then dragged the man out and the group started hitting his face as he sat handcuffed on the ground while onlookers covered their eyes.

Another man in handcuffs was then pulled from the van and ordered to drive the commandeered taxi.

News Agencies

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