adminPRESERVING law and order remains one of the primary responsibilities of the police all over the world.
In Zimbabwe, the police force is one of the key arms of the Government with the responsibility to fight criminal activities.
As they carry out their work, police officers are expected to discharge their duties with due diligence, respect and honesty.
Like any other profession, the police officers have rules, protocols and guidelines, which they follow.
Of course, bad apples will always be there but the force is expected to investigate and arrest those who violate the law.
In the process of investigating or responding to calls by complainants or victims, suspects still have their rights to a safe and fair trial.
Harassment of suspects, during investigations, is in itself criminal and unwanted.
Locally, police chiefs have been advising suspects to report any kind of harassment they encounter at the hands of investigating officers.
This could be the reason why magistrates ask suspects to raise any complaints or harassment they suffered at the hands of investigating officers.
However, most suspects don’t open up on the abuse they face during arrest for the fear of the unknown. Others simply don’t open up due to ignorance of the law.
It’s unfortunate that most suspects don’t know their rights as some tend to open up about what they suffered, at the hands of some rogue police officers, once acquitted.
On Tuesday, we carried a refreshing article about a police officer who was jailed 18 months for assaulting a suspect.
The suspect was struck with an iron bar and truncheon, which caused serious injuries.
The suspect and his accomplice were arrested at the police station where charges of unlawful entry were filed against them.
One of the suspects is believed to have died and there is an inquest into his death.
The rogue cop, who vehemently denied the allegations, was convicted after overwhelming evidence nailed him.
He was handed an 18-month jail term for his sins.
The presiding magistrate has sent a strong message to would-be offenders.
Added to that, the case should also inspire other suspects to report rogue cops since it remains their right.
The rogue cop’s trial has also proved that there are still many people who are victims of such abuse, which is unacceptable.
No matter how aggressive suspects might be, during arrest, bashing them is not the solution as they deserve a chance for a fair trial.
On that note, police chiefs should hold regular refresher courses to help their members adapt to the demands of modern policing.
It’s sad when the police, who are expected to safeguard civilians, ended up on the wrong side of the law.
All this could have been avoided had the convicted cop followed procedures and guidelines they were taught during training.
On the other hand, suspects should comply with their orders to ensure that a fair trial exists.
Rogue cops should be exposed during trial as these shameless acts soil the image of the police force.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter