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Abduction survivors Davis Lichuma and others have recounted a horrific ordeal, detailing how they were held incommunicado, blindfolded, and with their hands tied in separate rooms inside a house deep in a forested area, far from roads or any sign of human activity. The victims, who are battered and traumatised, said they were fed only one meal a day, consisting of boiled cabbage, and slept on cold floors without blankets. Every few hours, their captors allegedly entered the rooms to interrogate and torture them.
Davis Lichuma, who was held captive for several days, said he was kept in a small, dingy room with no windows. The walls were made of rough, unpainted wood, and the floor was covered in a thin layer of dust. He claimed that the captors wore masks to conceal their faces and spoke in hushed tones, making it difficult for him to understand what they were saying.
One of the captors, who was allegedly in charge of feeding the victims, was described by Lichuma as a tall, thin man with a menacing stare. The captor was said to be particularly cruel, often yelling at the victims and demanding that they cooperate with their interrogations.
The captors allegedly used various methods to torture the victims, including beatings, electrical shocks, and physical restraints. Lichuma claimed that he was subjected to physical restraints, including being tied to a chair and left in a dark, cramped room for hours.
Despite the harrowing conditions, the victims managed to escape, with some reportedly making a run for it when their captors were distracted. Others were allegedly freed by local authorities, who discovered the house and intervened to stop the captors.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of citizens in the region, with many calling for greater action to be taken to protect against such atrocities. The government has promised to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
This is not the first time that such incidents have been reported in the region, with rights groups accusing the authorities of a pattern of enforced disappearances. The incident has sparked outrage among locals, with many demanding greater accountability from the government.
Lichuma, who is still recovering from his ordeal, said he is determined to speak out against the captors and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures in the region, with many wondering how such atrocities could occur under their noses. The government has promised to review its security protocols and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.