Doctors reveal injuries suffered by opposition activists

Doctors reveal injuries suffered by opposition activists

Grace Kwinjeh shows off her battered backside

• Police stations bombed, MDC accused

• Zimbabwe warns Tsvangirai 'will pay a heavy price'

• Mutambara released, Tsvangirai still in hospital

• US, Britain and New Zealand condemn arrests

• Tsvangirai beaten up as fears grow for Biti, Mutambara

• Police shoot dead MDC supporter in Highfield

• Tsvangirai, Mutambara arrested in joint rally

• Mugabe bans rallies on birthday

• Morgan Tsvangirai: we must express ourselves through action

• David Coltart: a descent into lawlessness

• Mutambara: defying Mugabe, a call to action

• Morgan Tsvangirai: The time to act is now!

• Mutambara: setting the Zimbabwean agenda for 2007

By Lebo Nkatazo

ZIMBABWEAN doctors who examined opposition ativists and civic leaders who were assaulted while in police custody released a medical report Thursday detailing the extent of injuries suffered in attacks they said were carried out using heavy blunt objects.

In their report, the Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights said they regretted that the police delayed the treatment of the injured persons despite the fact that they were in urgent need of it.

“Prolonged detention without accessing medical treatment resulted in severe haemorrhaging in Morgan Tsvangirai leading to severe anaemia which warranted a blood transfusion," teh doctors said.

"Injuries sustained by Sekai Holland were also worsened by denial of timely access to medical treatment leading to an infection of deep soft tissue to her left leg.”

The report added that MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa, National Constitutional Assembly chairman, Lovemore Madhuku and Tsvangirai suffered head injuries with the latter two sustaining deep lacerations to the scalp.

“The injuries documented were consistent with beatings with blunt objects heavy enough to cause the following: fractures to hands, arms and legs in five individuals including Lovemore Madhuku with a fractured ulna," the doctors added.

"Three of these: Elton Mangoma, Sekai Holland and Morgan Tsvangirai sustained multiple fractures; severe extensive and multiple soft tissue injuries to the backs, shoulders, arms, buttocks and thighs.”

The doctors report added that one individual suffered a possible ruptured bowel with Grace Kwinjeh sustaining a split right ear lobe.

The report said further tests are currently being carried out to determine the “fuller extent” of the injuries.

The doctors said that apart from those injured after last Sunday’s arrest, two individuals were shot while attending the funeral of opposition activist Gift Tandare, who was killed by the police.

Tandare’s is expected to be buried on Sunday.

The United States on Wednesday warned the government against disturbing the funeral.

The opposition leaders and activists suffered the injuries after they were detained ahead of a planned rally in Harare's Highfield township last Sunday. Police made up to 50 arrests, including detaining the two leaders of the splintered MDC -- Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara.

JOIN THE DEBATE ON THIS ARTICLE ON THE NEWZIMBABWE.COM FORUMS
news desk@newzimbabwe.com