Last year there were many reports of police officers beating up commuters and public transport operators for allegedly breaking the law by waiting to board mini-buses or picking up passengers at undesignated places.
These acts continue as we speak. It is in this regard that we welcome the declaration by the police that their own members are breaking the law by unleashing unnecessary force on perceived offenders.
However, the police needs to do more than just declare the behaviour by wayward members of the force illegal. To start with, we are puzzled as to why it has taken so long for the police to act against members who break the law by beating people up. It would be extremely difficult for the ZRP to try and convince us that they are not aware of what has been taking place, considering the well-publicised outcries from members of the public.
The police have been using truncheons to smash windows of taxis and mini-buses used to transport commuters. At one time, the matter spilled into the courts where it was ruled that it was illegal to do so. Nonetheless, this window-smashing persists.
Again, we do not understand why police details should be armed with baton sticks when they are carrying out routine patrols. Today, almost every uniformed police officer you come across, including at roadblocks, is wielding a baton, a thing that never happened in the past.
Is it not true to say once you give a man a weapon, he gets in the mood for war? Why does Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri think it proper to arm his juniors against innocent civilians?
Honestly speaking, there is no justification for police details being armed with truncheons. We are not in a riotous state and the first thing that needs to go is the baton stick. After that, the ZRP has to monitor the activities of its members.
We know, for instance, that they are keeping a closer eye on roadblocks where the police force is being accused of widespread corruption. They also need to embark on public awareness campaigns to encourage the people to report illegal activities.
Given the abusive history of the police, it is understandably difficult for people to report officers of the law for fear of ending up behind bars. However, we must continue to speak out against these illegal practices so that justice can be done.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police needs to continue to prove itself by walking its talk and following up reports of police abuse.
Post published in: Editor: Wilf Mbanga