Eight blind men bash policemen

Licence Inspectorate in protest over the arrest of their colleague and the confiscation of their wares.
Some of the injured policemen were rushed to hospital where they received treatment.
The vendors included people with varying disabilities and a few without any disabilities.
Police managed to arrest eight suspects among them five blind vendors.
They appeared in court yesterday charged with public violence.
John Zinyakatira (35), Moses Mutemachimwe (46), Amos Murodzi (35), Cralos Gusha (33) and Rangarirai Nhangatira (33), were legally represented by one Mr S Deme from legal aid who is also blind.
The other three – Sithengisiwe Nyamadzawo (23), Christopher Mabhiza (27) and Tinashe Makombe (27) – were not represented.
It is alleged that John Zinyakatira had been arrested for illegal vending and his vegetables were confiscated by the police.
The eight accused and their colleagues went to Harare Licence Inspectorate armed with iron bars demanding to get back Zinyakatira’s wares.
They denied the allegations when they appeared before magistrate Ms Gamuchirai Siwardi.
They were granted a free bail and were ordered to come back to court on July 11 for trial.
Appearing for the State, Ms Hilda Huni, alleges that on June 23 this year at around 5pm, the accused connived with other disabled and able-bodied street vendors and went to the Harare Licence Inspectorate.
At the reception, it is alleged, the gang turned the table which was being used by Cst Mhako upside down, demanding to see the officer in charge.
Assistant Inspector Kadonhera was called to address the group, which was in a violent mood, it is alleged.
It is alleged Asst Insp Kadonhera drew closer in a bid to inquire the purpose of their visit and the group, which was being led by the blind men told him they had come to collect their goods, which had been confiscated by the police.
It is the State’s case that the group’s leader went on to say that they had come to act not to negotiate before ordering others to enter the offices and beat up anyone they come across.
Sensing danger, the Asst Insp ordered officers to lock up the main entrance to the offices and the group; it is alleged overpowered them and forced open the entrance.
One of the blind men, the State says, grabbed Asst Insp Kadonhera and assaulted him on the head using an iron bar and he sustained a deep cut above the left eye.
Asst Insp Kadonhera then tried to handcuff him but was bitten on the left hand before ordering the other vendors to come to his rescue.
It is alleged the blind vendors rushed to the direction he was calling from.
Upon hearing the noise and screams from Asst Insp Kadonhera, some of the officers who were in their offices rushed to the scene and managed to rescue him and rushed him to the hospital.
The court heard that upon seeing that the officers were now in numbers, the group led by the able-bodied rushed down the stairs to the gate. Before they could get to the gate, they saw a car, which was parked, inside the station and they pounced on it shattering its windows, it is alleged.
It is the State’s case that some officers rushed to the gate in a bid to bar them from running away but were overpowered. Four of the officers, it is alleged were beaten by the blind men all over their bodies.
Police later called for reinforcements and managed to arrest five of them on the scene and others were arrested in Harare gardens.
However, the court was packed with the blind and disabled street vendors who had come to support their colleagues.