POLICE BRUTALITY: ARTUZ leader’s prosthetic leg damaged, suffers injuries in police crackdown. 

By own Correspondent  

THE Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the police for brutalizing member living with disabilities, in the recent crackdown on Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists commemorating the June 16 describing the attacks as a “blatant violation of constitutional rights.”

Ronald Hondongwa, ARTUZ Harare province secretary general, was arrested together with the 78 CCC members on allegations of holding an unlawful meeting.

In a statement, ARTUZ stated that Hondongwa who is disabled was brutalised by the police resulting in damage to his prosthetic leg and injuries to his only functional hand.

“ARTUZ is outraged by the arrest and police brutality against our Harare province secretary general, Ronald Hondongwa who was viciously attacked by State security forces while peacefully commemorating the Day of the African Child with CCC youths. This is a blatant violation of the constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and association, enshrined in Section 58,” said ATRUZ.

Due to the nature of his disability and injuries, Hondongwa who has been denied bail went for days without bathing.

“It’s distressing to note that Ronald Hondongwa’s artificial leg was damaged while in State custody, and he sustained injuries to his only functional hand. He hasn’t been able to bathe for four days. Struggling to walk due to the broken artificial leg, he is facing significant hardship. We hope that bail will be granted soon to provide him relief and the opportunity to address his needs,” said ARTUZ.

The union lamented the recent political developments in the country saying authorities were shrinking the democratic space.

“We demand that the police and all State agents respect the rule of law and the rights guaranteed in our Constitution. Police brutality is completely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. The continued crackdown on democratic space in Zimbabwe is a grave concern. The government must respect human rights and uphold the constitution, or face the wrath of the people,” said the union.