Gays leader Goddard held over State House security breach

Gays leader Goddard held over State House security breach

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By Clemence Manyukwe

THE leader of Zimbabwe's Gays and Lesbians Association (Galz), Keith Goddard was detained at State House for several hours and later spent two days at Harare Central Prison for breaching security regulations at State House recently.

The incident happened on August 17 when Goddard and two Galz members were found parked in their vehicle near the State House main entrance along Chancellor Avenue.

President Mugabe holds most of the State functions at State House.

Reasons for their presence in the high security area could not be established, leading to their arrest.
Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena, confirmed the incident, but did not give details.

He only said Goddard’s plight was caused by the fact that the President’s residence was a high security area and anyone caught behaving in a suspicious manner around there would immediately be investigated.

Sources said the three Galz members were quizzed by State House security staff for more than five hours, before being taken to Harare Central Police Station and held for a further 48 hours.

The sources said the trio’s attempts “to get freedom by pleading that they had been silly” were fruitless. President Mugabe has denounced homosexuals as being worse than dogs and pigs.

Goddard confirmed the detention and arrest but he refused to give details saying he was afraid of reprisals.

“I am not permitted to comment on that incident by the organisation for fear of reprisals and reprimands by the country’s security agents.

“But the use of violence to achieve an end, including subjugation and humiliation, is condemned in the strongest terms,” said the Galz director, insinuating that he was assaulted.
Daily Mirror
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