Since the initiation of the concept of Victim Friendly Court systems by the government, United Nations agencies such as UNICEF have been supporting the initiative with vehicles and resources. However, some of the vehicles are now being abused by the police.
“Police are abusing Victim Friendly fleet. Last week a police vehicle with a UNICEF logo was seen in Lupane carrying MDC supporters who were arrested for campaigning for the MDC –T ahead of possible by-elections in the area. I wonder if the donors of these vehicles are aware that their vehicles are being used to suppress freedom in the country,” said Remias Ncube a human rights activist based Lupane.
Ncube said police in the province were also using vehicles meant for the programme to do normal policing duties such as manning roadblocks and pursuing cattle rustlers.
“In Matabeleland province, the police spend most of their time persecuting human rights defenders and opposition politicians with the few resources meant for the protection of vulnerable people. I think these donors should regularly monitor the use of these vehicles,” said a lawyer from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights who refused to be named.
Post published in: News