HARARE has been under an ‘unofficial’ lockdown since election day where residents are being attacked and told to go home by unknown persons, who are unleashing terror at night.
The unknown persons, sometimes wearing balaclavas to hide their identity, are assaulting people in the central business district and other suburbs unprovoked after 8pm.
Shops, bars and supermarkets are being forced to close before time, with residents being ordered to vacate premises after a heavy beating by the unknown persons carrying whips and batons.
It is widely believed that the persons behind the reign of terror in the evening are members of the security forces, but on Friday police denied the charges.
Police spokesperson, assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi was not answering his phone yesterday despite repeated efforts.
But on Friday Nyathi said there was no curfew in place as the reports spread in the capital about the night assault incidents.
“Police warn individuals and groups who are peddling falsehoods to cause alarm and panic among the public that the long arm of the law will catch up with them,” Nyathi said in a statement.
"Police officers are conducting motorised and foot patrols in CBDs, residential, industrial and other areas in order to maintain law and order.”
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However, a number of residents of the capital have been sjamboked at night in recent days following last Wednesday’s elections.
Last Thursday some residents in Chitungwiza Unit O suburb, Unit D and Unit L fell victim of these elements, forcing incoming Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Chitungwiza South legislator, Maxwell Mavhunga, to issue a statement.
" It has come to our attention that there is a shadowy group of people driving vehicles at night beating up people at shops in several areas,” Mavhinga said.
“They have been doing so for the past three days in the whole of Chitungwiza, according to my sources.
"As a result, we have champions who suffered injuries and were hospitalised, especially in Ward 16.
“Please stay alert and advise us as soon as you notice this group of thugs."
