via ZRP beats praying villagers – The Zimbabwean 11 February 2015
A group of villagers gathered for prayers at the farm of former Scripture Union leader David Cunningham were beaten severely by riot police on Sunday.
The villagers were praying to stop the acquisition of Cunningham’s Maleme Ranch in Matopo by an official from the office of the president, Rodney Mashingaidze. Chief Malaki Masuku confirmed receiving reports that locals had been assaulted by the police.
Mashingaidze on Friday led a group of 16 people from outside the region, who pitched tents around the ranch and ordered farm workers to stop work. A foreman was arrested and taken to Kezi. Unconfirmed reports claimed that Cunningham had been taken to the local police station. Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said he was not aware of the matter.
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