By Thandeka Moyo

Bulawayo – Two female police officers allegedly inserted bananas into the private parts of a 17-year-old suspect who was in their custody, a court heard.

Faith Sibanda, mother to a one-year-old child together with her accomplice Marshal Nkomo, allegedly stole pots, baby clothes and household gadgets from a house in Bulawayo’s Highmount suburb.

While appearing before Bulawayo magistrate Sibongile Msipa, Sibanda complained that police officers had inserted bananas into her private parts and assaulted her as they carried out investigations.

“Your Worship some female police officers inserted bananas into my ……. while I was in detention. I am in pain and I can barely walk. I was also assaulted by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department. I do not know the names of the officers but I did go through a rough time in their custody,” she said.

Her alleged accomplice Nkomo also told Msipa that he was beaten with a whip while in detention.

Msipa remanded the duo out of custody to May 7 and ordered the State to look into the alleged abuse by the police.

“The State should investigate the alleged assault and accused number one, Sibanda, should be examined by a medical doctor to ascertain if she was abused. This matter will be back in court on May 7,” said Msipa.

Allegations are that on April 7 around 11AM, the accused persons while in the company of one Jefta who is still at large, forced open a locked door with an unknown object to gain entry into a cottage in Highmount.

The cottage belongs to Believe Madongorere who is the complainant in the matter.

They allegedly stole two blankets, one baby blanket, one Wiztech decoder, one Philips DVD, one black pot, two bed spreads, two pillows and one blue bag containing children’s clothes and a washing dish.

The complainant’s wife discovered that her property had been stolen and notified her husband. A report was made to police. Sibanda was arrested at her residence in Kensington and implicated Nkomo.

The property stolen was worth $222 and only goods worth $7 were recovered. The Chronicle