BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has refused to disclose details of two Kenilworth boys who were bitten by police dogs, amid allegations that they were illegal gold panners.

ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said, “We are looking into that incident and the allegations and we will be able to give a detailed statement in due course.

Did it happen? We ask again.

“Nokuthaba, we are conducting investigations.”

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Mbongeni Hleza, from Gwitshi in Nkayi,  a victim of the police dog attack, has shared his traumatic experience.

He says he had just left his home to seek employment at the mines as his parents are struggling to look after them.

“I saw people running away as I was at the shops,”he said.

“I left home to look for employment in mines. They set two dogs on me, and they caught my trousers, and I immediately sat down. Baqhubeka benikela ukuthi zingilume and they kept laughing appearing drunk.

“The other bit me on the stomach, almost ripping off my intestines, while the other caught me on the arm and the other proceeded to the thigh while the other went to the neck.”

Another victim, 17-year-old Sabelo Dube, also shared his experience of being attacked by four police dogs.

He says he was sitting by the shops (Lukona) when he saw people running away as a police vehicle drove in.

“I decided to walk away, but shortly after, police sent dogs after me.”

When asked what the police said, Sabelo replied, “They were there, instructing me to stand still and let the dogs bite me to death. I complied.”

He also said, “They didn’t say what I had done. They were wearing full uniform. They said ‘uyabaleka gweja?’ (are you running away?) and I responded ‘I am not.’” Sabelo added, “I wish they could be arrested.”

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 17-year-old boy from Kenilworth has opened up about the turnout of events when he was brutally attacked by four police dogs, leaving him with severe injuries.

Sabelo Dube from Lukona village, shared his traumatic experience in a live broadcast on Facebook with Ezra Tshisa on Monday in Bulawayo where he had travelled to seek medical attention.

“I was sitting by the shops (Lukona) when I saw people running away as a police vehicle drove in,”Sabelo began to narrate the Wednesday morning event that has turned his life upside down.

“I decided to walk away, but shortly after, police sent dogs after me.”

Tshisa probed, “Where were the police then?”

“They were there, instructing me to stand still and let the dogs bite me to death. I complied,” Sabelo replied, his voice shaking.

“What exactly were you alleged to have done?” Tshisa asked.

“They didn’t say,” Sabelo responded, his eyes looking straight up.

“What were they wearing?” Tshisa pressed on.

“Full uniform. They said ‘uyabaleka gweja?’ (are you running away?) and I responded ‘I am not,’” Sabelo recounted.

“Are you a gweja?” Tshisa asked.

“No, I am a form three student. l had been sent to the shops,” Sabelo clarified.

“What happened after the attack?” Tshisa inquired.

“People rescued me and hid me from them. They took me to a clinic for treatment the following day. We were then referred to the main hospital (Inyathi), but they said my cuts are too wide and deep to stitch them. I feel numb and paralyzed especially on the leg, but l was also injured on the back and thighs,” Sabelo explained.

“How do you feel about your perpetrators?” Tshisa asked.

“I wish they could be arrested,” Sabelo expressed, his voice filled with emotion.

“Up to now, we have not had the police record, the one that first showed us was wrongly narrated amd up to now they are still refusing to give it to us because at the hospital they need it.”

As the interview concluded, Sabelo’s story left viewers shocked and outraged, sparking calls for justice and accountability.

They want the authorities to take swift action to address this incident of police brutality and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

However, efforts to get comment from the police spokesperson for Matabeleland North Province werte infertile as Inspector Glory Banda said he was not aware.

“I was in Harare the past week for the Agric show, l will check when l start going to work tomorrow (today).”

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

“Adults are not disclosing the HIV status of children born with the virus, leading to a high burden of death among adolescents,” warns Hwange District Medical Officer Fungai Musinami.

Musinami emphasizes that the failure to disclose HIV status to children is resulting in defaulting on treatment, leading to sickness and death.

“These children are told they are taking medication for their stomachs, without being informed about their HIV status,” she says.

“When they reach adolescence and want to form relationships, they are unaware of their status, leading to defaulting on treatment and ultimately death.”

Musinami stresses that adults need to be aware of the importance of disclosure and the services available to support them.

“We have services within the Ministry of Health to assist with disclosure and support groups for adolescents living with HIV,” she says.

“However, many children are not accessing these support groups, which are crucial for their well-being.”

Zimbabwe has made significant progress in HIV treatment, achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target last year.

However, Musinami’s warning highlights the need for continued efforts to address the challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV.

“We need to ensure that these children are aware of their status and receive the necessary support to adhere to treatment and lead healthy lives.” she concludes.