We have just received shocking reports from eye witnesses regarding the bizarre assault and arrest of women in Chipadze and Chiwaridzo high density suburbs in Bindura, by people identified as soldiers in civilian clothing. Reports are that this follows the attack of 2 soldiers last night (15 April), by unidentified artisanal miners at a commercial sex worker’s place. The soldiers are then alleged to have taken the law into their own hands and have opened unwarranted attacks on women suspected to be sex workers and men suspected to be artisanal miners. One of our members is in search of her uncle who was beaten and forced to drive his car to where they can find other artisanal miners.
As IYWD we condemn such barbaric violence on the innocent women being harassed. We call for the immediate end to the harassment of civilians, and the abuse of office by soldiers. They must let the police do their job and allow for the law to take its course.
We are also calling the police to investigate the public violence and the alleged soldiers perpetrating these human rights violations to be held accountable.
Source: Institute for Young Women Development (IYWD)
