Deliberate ploy to discredit ZRP

been such a time as this when the need for clarity of vision, unity of purpose and resoluteness been so critical for the maintenance of law and order, peace and stability in the country.
The causes of the politically induced violence could be attributed to a number of factors. For Zimbabwe, the years 2012 and 2013 are replete with a very full political calendar. Chief among the processes to contend with are the issues of the referendum and, most importantly, the general election.
Because of the importance of these processes, there has been heightened political activity across the political divide. From experience, as with every period preceding an election, the security challenges are enormous. The need to maintain peace and stability during these national processes cannot be over-emphasised.
When an announcement was made that Zimbabwe is going to the polls next year, the MDC formations’ position on the matter is that the country is not ready for elections. The MDC formations indicate that they would rather have the elections after the adoption of a new constitution. They also contend that the political environment obtaining in the country is not conducive for the holding of free and fair elections.
While every person is entitled to his/her opinions, the nation needs to clearly distinguish between matters of fact and political grandstanding by politicians and their backers. There is ample evidence to show that the police have in their quest to maintain law and order in the country arrested offenders from across the political divide. It is, however, undeniable that in any investigation process, there may be occasions when investigations fail to lead to the apprehension of offenders.
This affects all manner of crimes and is not limited to political violence cases only. There are a number of cases where members of the police force have been victims of crime for which no accused have been arrested.
The offenders in the horrendous petrol bombing case of Marimba Police Station, which left two female police officers badly burnt while the third escaped with minor burns, easily come to mind. We believe this case is still under investigations since no one has been brought before the courts. While the aim of each investigation is to try and bring the offender to book, it is sad to admit that in real life, this is not always the case.
There is no doubt that offenders from all sides have been arrested. Examples of this unbiased approach by the police reported in the public media include:
l The highly publicised murder case of Moses Chokuda involving Farai Machaya and others;
l The Masvingo case in which Muchakata Mupfiga was sentenced to 12 years while his accomplices Tafadzwa Mazhetese and Moses Binduko escaped with four-year jail terms for two counts of murder (the case was tried by the High Court sitting on circuit in Masvingo);
l Eight Zanu-PF activists who appeared before a Kwekwe magistrate facing robbery charges, among many other cases. 
l Seven Zanu-PF members Enias Zhou, Rasmos Shumba, Noah Sibanda, Watson Nyati, Tafara Hove, Petros Shumba and Nost Chadzamira who assaulted Reuben Banda in Sanyati and were sentenced to 20 months at Kadoma Magistrates’ Court;  and
l Hardlife Ndlovu, Nqobani Mlilo, Mthunzi Mabhena and Obert Msindo, all Zanu-PF youths from Bulawayo who were sentenced to five years imprisonment for kidnapping Wilson Kamba, Mugove Nhete and Danny Mpofu.
These cases, which vindicate the police from unscrupulous, vexatious and spurious accusations, are tellingly not given prominence by the private Press. Such certain fundamental milestones achieved by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in the fight against political crime cannot be wished away. These will go into the annals of history to show how the police acquitted themselves in the face of unrelenting adversity.
What we know for certain is that, when the police react to a scene of crime, the objective is to gather evidence and apprehend offenders to enable the due process of the law to take its course. Usually, the accused are dressed in civilian attire and cannot be identified with any political party. The accused are either identified by the complainants or witnesses or are caught in the act.
We have never heard of occasions where police officers call for political party cards or any form of identity that would identify the offender with any political party. Such identity is not required. Individuals are identified through their national registration cards, passports or drivers’ licences.
The community should not be fooled.
Those who are in the habit of bringing ant-infested wood into their homes should not be surprised or cry foul when lizards visit them.
The current barrage of criticism against various State organs and, in particular, the police, is undoubtedly directed at dramatising and creating an environment that would be viewed especially by Sadc, the AU and the rest of the world community as not being conducive for the holding of free and fair elections.
Chenjerai Shava is a social commentator and writes in his personal capacity.