HARARE - The MDC-T has expressed its disappointment with the Zimbabwe Republic Police's (ZRP) handling of political issues, describing Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri According to MDC-T Deputy Organizing Secretary, Morgan Komichi, who is responsible for organising the party activities such as rallies, the police have failed to protect members of the MDC from threats of violence that are made by alleged Zanu (PF) supporters. “We are disappointed with the response of the police force that they let Zanu (PF) break the law. We are calling upon Chihuri to stop living in the past and respect the GPA. We demand that he send an instruction to all police officers to arrest anyone in breach of peace.
Since late last year, several supporters of the MDC have been harassed by alleged Zanu (PF) supporters and the re-mushrooming of militia bases have diminished hope of finding lasting peace. Freedom of Assembly and Association are guaranteed in Article XII of the GPA, which notes that “public meetings have to be conducted in a free, peaceful and democratic manner in accordance with the law.” Furthermore Article 8 of the GPA notes that states organs and institutions remain non partisan and impartial, however the MDC-T says that Chihuri has
not been impartial in discharging his duties as he remains pro-Zanu (PF).
“We still have a scenario where Zanu (PF) wants to demonstrate that certain parts of the country are no go areas, in areas such as Mutoko. Zanu (PF) activists are trying to force people into accepting the Kariba Draft constitution. It is the duty of the police to see to it that such practices are stopped. ” The MDC says that since Chihuri is granted all powers by the Police Act, the onus is upon the police chief to see to it that the GPA is implemented to the letter. Police in the country remain accused by civil society of harassment against those not aligned to Zanu (PF) and several activists have been arrested and beaten while in police custody.
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