Three year old child assaulted
Above: This is little Samson (3 years). He was beaten on Golden Star farm, Shamva. His parents are ex farm workers who remained living on the farm after their white employer was evicted. His parents were beaten on 21st April by militia who were saying “Whites left you on this farm, you are MDC, you want whites to come back and look after you”. Their houses and everything they owned was burned. The mother is at the hospital with Samson; her husband and other two children are still somewhere in Shamva. She does not know where.
Above: These injuries are of a 38 years old man from Kavasha village, Mutoko. On the 27th April he was beaten with big sticks on the buttocks by youth militia who were saying “stop supporting MDC”. What you see in the image is the result of extensive deep tissue bruising that has not received medical attention. This man has a very long road to recovery.
Many of the injured in Zimbabwe are unable to receive medical attention for several days after they have been brutalised. The image above gives an idea of how delayed treatment is having a massive impact on the long term health and recovery of victims. We are in a hyper-inflationary environment and the costs of medical supplies are prohibitive and there is a real scarecity in the country. We understand that medical teams are battling with a shortage of basic requirements such as sutures and bandages (for example) and that this is impeding the work of those trying to deal with the injured.
If anyone reading this post knows someone who works in a company that supplies these sorts of things and might be able to help with donations, please lobby them hard and ask for their support. Please email us if you have any success. The need for supplies is urgent. Because of issues with transpost, and because of the urgency, it would be ideal if South Africans were able to help.
If anyone has any ideas how we can help, brainstorm them here. We appreciate most will want to give donations and we are trying to identify an organisation that can receive donations and also direct them straight to the needy. At this precise time of writing we aren’t there yet. So… what else can we do?
Hope
May 8th, 2008 13:10
I was going to say that the people who are doing this are animals… but then I thought that no animal would ever do this. There must be evil involved to deliberately harm your fellow species in such a way when you know they do not deserve it and you know they will suffer for a long time.
How can one person do this to another? I feel sick.
May 8th, 2008 13:48
I understand SADC and a delegation from South Africa are in Zimbabwe to investigate these atrocities. What are they saying to this. Are these victims able to give their testimonals to this? When Anna Tibaijukcame to investigate Murambatsvina we were able to ensure that people who were affected were present in every public meeting she had and tell their stories. It is absolutely essential that people meet with this delegation. There is nothing more powerful than personal narratives and people deserve to be heard. I suppose it also depends on the missions’ starting position. Anna Tibaijuka was very aware people were intimidated and insisted that they be allowed the space and knowledge that they were safe. We need to call for a similar fact finding mission that doesnt just speak to politicians but ordinary Zimbabweans whose lives continue to be turned upside down by this madness.
Diaspora I agree animals hunt and kill because they have to eat or they will be protecting their young ones. What excuse does Mugabe have to do this? There is no court on this earth that can ever give a fiting punishment for these crimes. I hope Mugabe roats in hell after suffering a bit on this earth. Unfortunately even he is mortal and at the most he has 15 more years to live. In my opinion this is too short a period.
I said a prayer for this little boy Samson. That in his life time he might know peace and be able to smile again. That God grant him a good life, provide for him and most of all protect his family that at this moment is scattered.
May 8th, 2008 13:53
We are trying to determine which orginisations may still be able to. I have asked people to contact you via e-mail should they have any success with this request.
May 8th, 2008 14:41
MDC web site have appeal up for funds
May 8th, 2008 14:52
@Beth: The SADC observers have met with victims of violence, but have made no statement as to who are the perpetrators of the violence - they say that accusations are flying both ways. In any case, their latest statement says that Zimbabwe is too violent to facilitate a run-off election, which is just bad news if Mugabe won’t concede defeat - and probably exactly what he wanted! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7389446.stm
May 8th, 2008 15:09
I well remember Chiweshe because we had a family friend who taught at the Howard Institute. The Howard Hospital, run by the Salvation Army, is still operating. If people would like to help Chiweshe directly, perhaps they could contribute to the hospital?
In North America, by contacting:
Director of World Missions
The Salvation Army
2 Overlea BLVD
Toronto, ON, Canada
M4H 1P4
Email: Brian_Burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
Please indicate that your donation is specifically for the work of Howard Hospital.
OR
Donate directly to our bank account:
Bank: HSBC Poultry in London
Swift Code: M1DLGB22
Account Name: Reliance Bank
Account Number: 41376543
Reference: FFC to Howard Hospital, Account # 23450087
For further information, please contact the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Paul Thistle at PThistle@healthnet.zw.
BTW…I read somewhere that Zimbabwe vice President Joice Majuru, is or was a Salvationist, does anyone know about that? Can we get to her and confront her with these stories?
May 8th, 2008 18:11
Yes Joyce Mujuru is definetly a Salvationist. I attended a funeral she officiated at once. All these ZANU PF women leaders use religious rhetoric when it suits them. Oliver Muchena who was elected in the Mutoko constituency where most of these atrocities having been taking place is a United Methodist and wears the Ruwadzano Uniform ( Motherrs Union) to full effect and at every opportunity. These Uniforms are supported to reflect your dedication to a christian life ( a bit like an oath one takes I guess) Its time to name and shame them as well.
May 8th, 2008 19:10
MUJURU TOOTHLESS STOOGE
@ Berth
Amai J Mujuru is just a toothless stooge for reiterating Mugabe’s utterances whilst following the husband’s advice. She is definitely compromising her christianity for the sake of money. She is always Preaching that “only Mugabe can rule ZIm/ZANU” so she will just sit and relax in her farm hoping Mugabe stays in power…
May 8th, 2008 19:19
In case anyone wants to take this up and send messages or call more ZANU PF MPs I have the following numbers for
Dr. Olivia Muchena MP Mutoko (South or Cenral am not too sure) +26311404774
Mabel Chinomo +26311418473 Also Mutoko. The first wave of post election violence happened in their constituencies.
Dr Muchena is a known Methodist.
May 8th, 2008 20:10
The Police,Army and the Militia i would like to say to you GOD is watching you, I know there are good ones among you who don’t support what is going on. Your life will be very miserable PLEASE don’t Persecute GOD’s people. Some of you will be mad Kupenga nezvamurikuita izvi.
Nyika ndeyaMwari iyi hapana munhu akaigadzira ut ive NYIKA its God’s Love for the people. Musatevedzere vanhu vari POWER HUNGRY most of them will die soon. Munosara muripachena hama dzangu. Zvehondo izvi siyai vakuru vacho vaite vega imi regerai hamuwane anything pazvira. NYIKA yedu ndeyedu haimbofe yakanzi ndeyeVarungu.
Vakuru vemabato aripamusoro ayo I say to you , Your time has finished be merciful to others now maybe mwari angakuregererai.
Hamusi matombo imi murivanhu vanofema Do not Persecute GOD’s People.
Haisi Hondo iyi yevarungu WHY really.
Mwari wangu itai sekuda kwenyu.
from R.Chi.
FEAR GOD HAMA.
May 8th, 2008 22:00
Oh God, I cannot bear this. You have to ask questions about humanity. How can people DO this and how do they keep on obeying and how can one person get another to do this.
What could it take to get someone to listen to their own best interests and DISOBEY POWER? Many of the police and army must feel trapped and disagree with what they’re instructed to do. What kind of things could be said to them?
May 8th, 2008 22:17
Sad that children now are targets for violence. Children are being used to get donations for Mutoko Mother of Peace and donations are then given to ZANU for the campaign of terror in Mutoko. Mother of Peace fuels ZANU trucks and it is sad what people will do to use children for evil purposes. Sad that corruption and violence now involve children who already have lost mothers and fathers to AIDS.
May 9th, 2008 04:10
Oh that poor child.
And I shudder to realise that there are unfortunately others also suffering. People everywhere need to pray. Oh God, please help Zimbabwe!
Also, I am sure there are many people like myself who are far away who have no contacts in Zim who feel helpless in this situation. If there are any other reputable and trustworthy organisations currently in Zim it would be helpful to have their details posted here if possible? Then if people feel moved they can give money.
Speaking of which, how to get donations ($$) safely into Zimbabwe? And the postal service? Is it even vaguely reliable?
May 9th, 2008 10:02
If the international community cannot be moved by such evidence of moral decadence, I don’t know what else Zimbabweans should do to stop this slow motion horror. It defies logic and an absolute shame that we should be be parading such barbarity when the whole world is getting more enlightened ( even quark Castro’s Cuba is finally seeing the light). Think for a moment, the people behind these gruesome images are being made to do it and the people ordering this mayhem are themselves captives of a higher order. I say Mugabe must be made to account for this. The fact that such violence is commonplace elsewhere in the world should not be used as an excuse to let it fester in Zimbabwe- enough is enough as you say on this site
May 9th, 2008 22:25
The Association of Doctors for Human Rights has released a statement today blaming Zimbabwean security forces for the escalation and dramatic rise in violence and torture. ” The level of brutality and callousness exhibited by the perpetrators is unprecedented and the vicious and cowardly attacks by so called war veterans on women, children and the elderly shames the memory of all true heroes of the liberation struggle” they said.
May 10th, 2008 08:36
If Mugabe’s family is in Malaysia, one would suggest that his loot is probably safely tucked away there as well, guarded by his pal, the former PM Mahatmir, another demented despot.
May 10th, 2008 17:36
How sad is this. How can someone hurt a child???? I am so sad.
May 10th, 2008 20:56
Sokwanele
The UN consolidated Appeal for Zimbabwe at
ReliefWeb:
http://ocha.unog.ch/fts2/pageloader.aspx?page=emerg-emergencyDetails&appealID=789
May 12th, 2008 17:27
There is a fund specifically to help victims of violence in Zimbabwe. It was set up by Roy Bennett, Treasurer of the MDC. Check: http://www.zimfund.com.
May 13th, 2008 03:34
In response to Sally D, yes Joyce Mujuru was educated at Howard and was a Salvationist then.
June 6th, 2008 16:17
I don’t think Robert Mugabe is still sane! How can someone that fought hard for the freedom of Zimbabwe then turns around and let this thing happen in that country?
It officially, Thabo Mbeki is not in touch with reality anymore! What must happen before he takes action and help stop this?
If they are hurting innocent 3 year olds like this, I don’t think these people are still fit to be called humans!!!!! I have kids at home and I can’t imagine what the mother of the 3 year old felt like when they were beating her child like that.
I pray that soon sanity will prevail!
June 9th, 2008 09:45
I think this is not just cruel it is way out of line.
It seems that Mogabe thinks he is Hitler and is there nobody that can take this man out or is everybody to scared of him. He must be hanged in public for everything he has done. Be aware when God stepps in and takes over Mogabe!!!
June 30th, 2008 02:20
This is utterly outrageous. How could the world sit back and allow such a cruelty to continue? As someone who had lived in Zimbabwe, it is heartrending to see such a degeneration of a once beautiful country and of human rights.
I pray that sanity and peace may be restored soon.
July 1st, 2008 22:39
I am ashamed to be a human being… if i lived in this country i would [...] Mugabe myself.