Women beaten as violence spreads

The violence of Zimbabwe's politics have now touched even this tiny, rural hamlet, leaving behind a badly injured and shattered woman - her life changed in one night. (Pictured: Attacked by Zanu youths, Abigail Bamhare was rushed to hospital after being beaten and hit with stones.)
A group of supporters of President Robert Mugabe's Zanu (PF) suddenly arrived at the dusty cluster of mud and log huts, dragged out Abigail Bamhare and almost beat her to death.
"I was preparing to go to the shops to buy vegetables when six Zanu youths led by a Zanu official said 'nhasi tazokuwana' (we have finally met)," a tearful Bamhare related. "They lifted a big stone and crushed my back and shoulder."
She said her mouth was slashed with a sharp object. The sight of so much blood sent the youths fleeing from the scene of the attack.
The group of men then went to a nearby hut and attacked another victim suspected of supporting the MDC.
Neighbours rushed Bamhare to hospital where she had to have 11 stitches and treatment for other serious injuries. She reported the case to police.
No-one came to help the woman as she was beaten; most men were away and the women and children in the hamlet were cowering in their huts, listening to the cries and thuds.