‘Police brutality costs man virility’

Comment & Analysis
BY CLAYTON MASEKESAMUTARE — A Marange man who was allegedly assaulted by a senior police officer on suspicion of illegally mining diamonds in Chiadzwa, last week told a High Court judge that he was no longer sexually active due to the serious injuries he sustained in the attack.

Testifying before Justice Hlekani Mwayera who is presiding over a High Court circuit in Mutare, Pikirai Kusena said his sex life had been destroyed due to  injuries he sustained when Chief Superintendent Joseph Chani of Support Unit in Chikurubi allegedly assaulted him.

In an emotional narration, Kusena said “As we speak right now, my wife is complaining about our sexual life because I am not satisfying her due to the injuries that I sustained after being beaten by Chani.”

Kusena said his children were also affected by his poor health.

“My children are traumatised by the state of my health.  I am still in pain and they see me in agony and always ask me when the pain will stop. This is very disturbing,” he said.

Chani, a well-known senior police officer during his time as Officer Commanding Mutare district, is facing a murder charge and three assault counts.

Jane-Rose Matsikidze, who is representing the State told the court that on September 23 last year, Chani allegedly assaulted, using switches, the now deceased Tsorosai Kusena and his brothers – Pikirai and Onesai and their nephew John Gwite after they were arrested by Mbada Diamonds’ security guards. They were being accused of illegally panning for diamonds.

Chani, who is being represented by Harare lawyer, Takesure Thondhlanga, has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The trial continues on Tuesday.