RESIDENTS of Tafara in Harare were left shaken and struggling to breathe after a violent confrontation between police and local bar patrons last Wednesday night.
Eyewitnesses said the incident began around 10 pm, when a group of police from the Support Unit stormed into the Gurure Nite Sport Bar.
"They just burst in and told everyone to lie down on the floor," a patron who only identified himself as Manex said.
"They were saying they would beat us up, whether we were perpetrators of recent murders or just innocent people staying out late."
The situation quickly escalated, with the police reportedly firing teargas canisters into the bar and surrounding homes.
"Our whole house was filled with smoke. The children were crying and couldn't breathe," said one local resident, who asked not to be named.
Two neighbours with asthma had severe attacks due to the effects of the teargas, according to eye witnesses.
Efforts to reach the officer-in-charge at Mabvuku Police Station were unsuccessful, but an officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident and said they were investigating.
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It remained unclear what prompted the police intervention or why they resorted to such heavy-handed tactics against the bar patrons.
Another patron said he and others tried to reason with the officers, but were met with violence.
"They just came in and started threatening us. We didn't do anything wrong, we were just enjoying a night out," he said.
"Now our community is left scared and with burning eyes and throats from the teargas.
“Something needs to be done about this kind of police behaviour."
Residents say the heavy-handed police response has left the community traumatised and demanding accountability.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi was also not reachable for comment.
There have been reports of patrons being harassed by police officers on night duty, accusing them of being criminals.
