Police say “abducted” doctor not in custody, safe

Harare,(New Ziana)-The Zimbabwe Republic Police said on Friday it will question the ‘abducted’ medical doctor Peter Magombeyi, who was found on Thursday night after he reportedly went missing last week.

His alleged abduction and disappearance last Saturday sparked demonstrations by his colleagues who vowed to down tools until Dr Magombeyi was found.

On Thursday doctors petitioned the Parliament of Zimbabwe to push the government to ensure Dr Magombeyi, the acting president of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA), whom they accused state security agents of abducting, was returned safely.

Dr Magombeyi was leading negotiations for a review of working conditions for doctors and other health personnel when he was allegedly abducted.

But the government maintained that its hands were clean, and activated security agencies to search for the missing doctor as it pointed to a third hand bent on soiling its image as it pursued measures to return the country to the family of nations following years of isolation.

Dr Magombeyi resurfaced in Nyabira about 40 kilometers from Harare on Thursday night although information on where he was and what happened to him since his alleged disappearance remains scarce.

There were however questions on the authenticity of his abduction claims amid indications that it could have been staged.

In a statement, the ZRP said Dr Magombeyi it would interview Dr Magombeyi once they get medical clearance from the team observing him.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police advises members of the public that investigations in Dr Peter Gabriel Magombeyi’s case are in full swing. He is currently admitted at a local hospital for observation by a medical team. He has been examined by his own medical team and Government Medical Officers” it said.

“He is safe and has not been arrested at all as claimed in some sections of the media. Dr Magombeyi will be interviewed by the Police once he is cleared by his medical team,” it added.
New Ziana