Zimbabwe: Personal testimony on harassment by the police

The NGO Network Alliance Project, an online community for Zimbabwean activists, carries the story of a 74-year-old grandmother's experience of voting in the Zimbabwean elections. "I left Bulawayo after voting to go to Harare to pray for peace and for the elections not to be stolen. Nobody forced me to travel but my empty stomach forced me to join other WOZA women. When we arrived in Harare it was very late because the bus carrying us had to queue for fuel in Gweru. As we neared Africa Unity Square, some women told us that many women had already been arrested and that we should go away. Our leader took us to the railway station waiting room for refuge. After some time, police drove in at high speed and rushed in shouting, "Face down, lie down". We did this and they beat us with their baton sticks. Those that refused to lie down were beaten as they stood up. After this they then walked on us with their boots."