In jail: Zimbabwe police sergeant who dared to use Robert Mugabe's loo

guardian.co.uk ^ | 5-28-11 | David Smith

[Justaham]

When call of nature comes, it cannot always be denied. Few have answered it in such an unfortunate fashion as Alois Mabhunu.

While on duty at a trade fair, the Zimbabwean police sergeant could not hold on and allegedly dashed to the nearest toilet – disastrously, it transpired, as it was reserved for President Robert Mugabe. He was arrested and imprisoned on suspicion of invading the presidential privy.

The incident happened at the annual Zimbabwe Int'l. Trade Fair (ZITF) in the western city of Bulawayo, according to local radio station VOP.

Under the headline "Never Use Toilet Reserved For President!" VOP's website reported that Mabhunu was on duty during the fair's official opening by Mugabe and Jean-Louis Ekra, the president of Afreximbank.

"Mabhunu, due to call of nature, rushed to the toilets reserved for Mugabe and his guest Ekra, but was stopped by other officers guarding the toilets," VOP said. "Under intense pressure from the call of nature, the officer forced his way in and managed to relieve himself. He was arrested on 5/7 after a report was made to Mugabe's security men and to senior police officers in the city."

Mabhunu, a murder detective, is in police detention at barracks on the outskirts of Bulawayo. The legality of the case against him was challenged by Beatrice Mtetwa, a leading Zimbabwean human rights lawyer.

"There has to be a law saying the toilet is the president's, but this was a public one," she said. "They will have had to issue a proclamation in the government gazette specifying it. I bet they didn't do that."

Mugabe's personal space – and reputation as father of the independent nation – are fiercely protected. Several motorists are said to have been assaulted by his security personnel for not giving way to the presidential motorcade.

[muawiyah]

As I've said on the threads about the Letter Carrier who answered a call of nature, you have to be pretty weird or maybe even demented to dispute the right to have a bowel movement.

In Mugabe's country, it would appear to be treason to have one in a public latrine even.

[Regulator]

Mugabe's personal space – and reputation as father of the independent nation – are fiercely protected

No different from any other racist dictator. Why are they surprised?

And the criticism from the Left of Mugabe? Cue the sounds of silence....

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Justaham. Robert Mugabe systematically oppresses and murders anyone with a white face, for a couple of decades, but our top story... What a crock. If the cop doesn't like this, he should shoot Mugabe right in the head, instead of just using "the head". Everyone not on Mugabe's payroll would cheer.

• Libya: Mugabe slams 'naive' Nigeria, South Africa and Gabon

[FreeMaine]

Now that is poetic justice, a cop arrested for relieving himself.

[Squantos]

Well crap .....

[reg45]

He dared to poo in the royal loo.

[GnuHere]

Such a big flap over taking a crap...

Mugabe in snit over guy who takes ....

[Moltke]

Zimbabwe Int'l. Trade Fair

LOL. Aka the 'What's The Point? Fair'. Both attendees agreed to that assessment.

[The_Media_never_lie]

See the movie "Mugabee and the White African" which was released in 2010.

There is no law in Zimbabwe, only thuggery.

All the Ivy League schools who supported divestature which resulted in this despot gaining power should be publicly shamed. Yet, no one holds them accountable.

[Moltke]

Thanks, I’ll keep an eye open for that movie. Of course, most of Mugabe’s misdeeds are well known and documented by now.