HEY — I’LL BET THESE GUYS WEREN’T FIRING BLANKS:

Zimbabwean police raided a private Harare hospital yesterday, the third day of a week-long national strike, beating and arresting several patients, according to doctors.

Ten police accompanied by youths from the ruling Zanu-PF party stormed into the Avenues Clinic, Harare’s largest private hospital, and assaulted many of the 150 people seeking treatment for their injuries sustained in anti-government protests. Police herded several patients into a van.

Many of the patients were being treated for gunshot wounds and other injuries received at peaceful public protests against President Robert Mugabe’s regime.

The police surrounded the hospital and ordered away injured people coming in for treatment, said health workers.

Government hospitals have refused to treat anyone suspected of being hurt in the demonstrations.

Somebody should kill Mugabe. Sooner rather than later. Of course, Mugabe’s gun control program has made that more difficult, and given him a free hand to — surprise — arm his thugs and be sure they won’t meet serious opposition.