INNOCENT VICTIMS 

UPDATES:

Update:  APRIL 8    2003

WARNING:    Some very distressing accounts

ZNSPCA UPDATE

I keep hoping that the next report I write will be to let everyone know that things have taken a turn for the better. Regrettably, in this report we can only let you know that the situation has taken a further turn for the worse. Meryl and the rescue team bravely and determinedly battle on but there just does not appear to be any end in sight.

Following the mass civil action on 18 and 19 March, there have been wholesale violent acts of retribution meted out to any and all perceived government opponents. The level of brutality has left us all completely stunned and shocked.

Inevitably innocent animals are 'caught in the crossfire'. Many of you will have seen footage of the young female opposition supporter who was raped with the barrel of an automatic weapon and had her arm slashed resulting in permanent nerve damage. Despite her horrific experience, this brave soul provided information to Meryl about a dog which had been badly injured during the violent reprisals.

The rescue team recovered 'Shumba' from a house in Mabvuka, Harare. The owners had been hospitalised due to the extent of their injuries. It is reported that 8 men in army uniform arrived at their home late at night and before beating the occupants, they first beat 'Shumba', a female Collie cross who had tried to protect her owners. They beat her with rubber batons and neighbours said they had heard the dog 'screaming' during the attack. The team rescued Shumba and took her straight to a vet who reported that although completely covered in injuries, her thick coat had probably saved her from any permanent injury. She is recovering well although still not able to walk properly.

The eviction of 1000 farm workers from MDC MP Roy Bennett's farm in the Chimanimani area has also been reported in the media.

Meryl received a report from Mr Bennett that cattle on the farm had been slashed with axes. When the team arrived at the farm, they found 15 head, mainly calves and weaners (which are easy targets) that had been attacked. Most had serious gaping wounds. One young bull had a shoulder wound about 15cm deep. One weaner had received a spinal injury and could no longer walk and had to be euthanaised. All other animals have been treated and are recovering.

The most distressing part of the report is that following the team's visit, the few remaining workers on the farm who co-operated with the rescue team were subjected to a vicious beating, in particular one farm guard, who had to be hospitalised, having been beaten with a truncheon encased in a metal pipe. The beating was reportedly carried out by one Joseph Mwale of the CIO and the Officer in Charge of ZRP Chimanimani. The farm worker said that he finally begged them to shoot him as he was in such unbearable pain but was told by Mwale that he had to suffer. 5 other workers received treatment at the local clinic.

These scenes are obviously becoming more and more difficult for Meryl and the team to cope with. We have reinforced the rescue team, but the emotional stress is obviously taking its toll. They battle on and we all hope and pray that we will not have to hang on too much longer. Surely the international community can no longer stand by and ignore the worsening situation.

We must also unhappily report that 5 more black rhino have been killed in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force reports that 6 black rhino were caught in poachers' snares on the Bubiyana Conservancy. One was saved and one broke free with the snare still imbedded in its flesh - the remaining 4 died. The 5th rhino was reported dead at the hands of poachers on Gourlays Ranch. No further details are yet known.

As always, we strenuously commend the many wonderful people and organisations who continue to rally round us in our efforts to protect the animals of Zimbabwe. There are so many who have assisted in so many ways and we are always reluctant to name them in case we exclude any of the special people who have contributed in any way, but I am compelled to name those who have been such a tower of strength when the situation has seemed so hopeless and who have given us the encouragement and strength necessary to keep going: Organisations we must commend are the NSPCA in South Africa, IFAW, RSPCA, Vizara Ridgebacks, Zimbabwe Pet Rescue Project, WSPA, Mafikeng SPCA, the Zimbabwe Blue Cross, SPANA, Motorsport SA, the South African Animal Anti Cruelty League, Sims Black Trust, National Horse Trust, SAfm, SW Radio, the Zimbabwe Animal Support Group and the Hugg Foundation.

Individuals who need special mention are Ann Kempen, Marcelle Meredith, Chris Kuch, Val Wise, Mary Pringle, Estelle Walters, Roger Matthews, Timmy Ralfe, Sherri Williamson, Mariette van der Veer, Tracey Clarke, Beaulah Schoeman, Lisa Haylett and Patricia Glyn

There are many other individuals, companies and organisations who have been supporting us with regular donations and kind messages of commendation or who have been disseminated our reports. In all the chaos and pressure we are working under, I know you will fully understand if we have omitted you from our messages. We thank each and every one of you. We really could not do it without you.

Best regards

Bernice