It is now understood that the police commissioner speaks with a forked tongue. Whenever ha talks of a violence free election we know it is a coded message to Zanu (PF) thugs that members of the opposition will not be allowed to defend themselves against attack.
A case in point is the recent attack on members of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe by Zanu (PF) thugs in Harare – only a stone’s throw from where Chihuri pontificates on election violence.
The teachers were taken to Zanu (PF) torture chambers in 4th street, where they were savagely beaten. Ironically, this very building was the headquarters of Ian Smith’s Rhodesian Front Party.
The Police did nothing to protect the teachers or to stop the violence. In fact, they arrested some of the victims for distributing literature at the 4th street bus stop. Is this Chihuri’s definition of a violence free election?
The police are saying they will not allow anybody to carry weapons during the election period. Does this ban also extend to Zanu (PF) thugs and green bombers? Or will the police continue to apply the ban selectively, as they do with everything else?
During previous elections a number of people have been beaten up by Zanu (PF) thugs throughout the country, and the perpetrators of those violent crimes are still walking free.
The few who were brought to court and convicted of their crimes were pardoned by the president. They are free to do their dastardly deeds again- knowing full well that the police will not touch them.
Morgan Tsvangirai’s body guard and driver were petrol bombed during the 2002 presidential elections in broad daylight in the presence not only of the police but also many witnesses. The perpetrator is known and has been named in the High Court. A judge has asked that he be brought to book, but the ZRP has taken a decision to ignore the court order- as they have done in many other cases.
Under the stewardship of self-confessed, card-carrying member of Zanu (PF) Augustine Chihuri, the once-proud ZRP has been transformed into nothing more than a uniformed militia of the ruling party.
The confidence of Zimbabweans in the police to uphold the law has been irrevocably eroded. A new government will have to work very hard to restore this. A good first step will be Chihuri’s dishonourable discharge for failing to uphold the Police Act, which mandates him to uphold and obey the law.
Word for Today
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.- Romans 12: 18-21