Zim thugs decapitate mother, destroy home

Report by Sapa-AFP and Reuters

Harare – A WOMAN whose son was murdered by ruling Zanu-PF party militiamen last year was herself beheaded at the weekend because of her alleged support for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, it was reported here yesterday.

The Daily News, Zimbabwe’s only independent daily newspaper, reported that the decapitation of Brandina Tadyanemhandu, 53, by a mob of youths allegedly affiliated to Zanu-PF on Sunday was witnessed by her daughters at their home at Magororo village in Magunje district, about 150km north of Harare.

‘‘ Mrs Tadyanemhandu was due to be buried at her home yesterday.

She was the 55th person to die in political violence this year, more than in the whole of last year. Nearly all of those killed were suspected of supporting the MDC.

Mrs Tadyanemhandu’s decapitation was allegedly the third beheading by President Robert Mugabe’s militias in four months.

Also yesterday, police roadblocks ringed the Harare city centre while scores of riot police armed with batons were stationed around the city ahead of a demonstration planned by the National Constitutional Assembly, an alliance of civic, labour and church groups. The NCA was to protest in support of a new democratic constitution which would reduce the president’s sweeping powers.

Police have banned the demo under the Public Order and Security Act, legislation that gives police powers to stop public meetings at will.

A Harare magistrate’s court yesterday denied bail to NCA leader Lovemore Madhuku, arrested on Monday for organising anti-government protests.

Five other NCA activists were granted bail of Z$8 000 (R1 587).

Also in Harare yesterday, a group of white Zimbabwean commercial farmers pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting public violence after clashes last year with militants loyal to Mr Mugabe.

Twenty-four farmers were charged after clashing with Mugabe supporters occupying a white- owned farm in the Chinhoyi area in August.

Charges against six other farmers were dropped yesterday, said Jenni Williams, spokesman for the Commercial Farmers Union. “The remaining farmers all pleaded not guilty.”