Chronicle Editor
A MEMBER of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been arrested for misconduct after he was shown in a video broadcast on British broadcaster, Sky News, assaulting a civilian in Harare.
Following the video broadcast, President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed dismay and called for the law to take its course, and two days later, the culprit has been apprehended.
In a statement, ZRP Chief Spokesperson Commissioner Charity Charamba said the rogue police officer is Constable Makumire, Force Number 066913F, who is already on suspension and on bail for four counts of theft.
“Number 066913F Constable Makumire was suspended from performing active police duties in September 2018 and is on bail for contravening section 113 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chgapter 9:23 ‘Theft’ (four counts). ZRP Harare Central Crime Register 2632 — 5/09/18 and Rotten Row Court Record Book Number 11418/19 refer,” she said.
Constable Makumire is seen in the video clad in civilian attire with a satchel strapped on his back assaulting a civilian.
“The member was not on official duty during the time of the offence as he is on suspension. He has since been arrested and is assisting the police with investigations into the current case . . . Investigations are widening to account for the remaining members of the security services captured in the video,” Commissioner Charamba said.
She said security services have always emphasised that bogus and rogue elements are responsible for the lawlessness which is tarnishing the good standing of security services.
Commissioner Charamba appealed to members of the public who may have suffered similar ordeals to report to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, police and other independent stakeholders have not received any reports of women alleged to have been raped by members of the security services during the recent opposition sponsored protests.
Prominent women’s and anti-abuse organisations, Msasa Project and Adult Rape Clinic yesterday came out to confirm that no reports had been made to them of the alleged spate of sytematic brutalisation of women by security forces during a joint press conference with the ZRP.
Comm Charamba said no one has since come forward to report alleged abuse, assault and rape cases by security services during the recent civil unrest in the country, despite calls for them to do so.
The press conference was attended by Victim Friendly Unit national co-ordinator Comm Isabella Sergio, Msasa Project director Mrs Natty Musanhu and an official from the Adult Rape Clinic, Mrs Rudo Mashingaidze who all weighed in saying they were ready to assist all the victims.
They all confirmed that no one had come forward to them to either report or seek assistance after being sexually abused saying they are only seeing these reports in both local and international media.
Comm Charamba said no one was above the law be it bona fide or bogus members of the security services, or civilians.
She called on members of the public to report so that investigations will be conducted and the law take its course.
“These alleged reports, unfortunately have not been brought to the attention of police to allow investigations to be conducted and the law to take its course.
“Let it be known that no one is above the law be it bona fide or bogus members of the security services, or civilians. Any abuse should be reported to the police with a view to arrest the perpetrator, gather evidence and initiate interventions for the victim to receive medical care,” Comm Charamba.
“Without being discriminatory, we are alive to the fact that women and children suffer the brunt of any conflict the world over, hence our call for all those who might have been affected to come forth.”
She said all cases reported to them will be handled in a professional manner which accords the victims full protection of the law and privacy.
Comm Charamba said the ZRP Victim Friendly Unit was ready to investigate all such cases without fear or favour, to their logical conclusion.
“Some victims may be scared to report for one reason or the other, it might be fear of reprisals, stigma or mistrust but we are saying if such heinous acts are allowed to go unresolved they have lasting traumatic implications on the victims.
“The law is clear, for each and every offence there should be redress or a penalty hence our passionate appeal to members of the public to report,” Comm Charamba said.
She said reports in some sections of the media that those who had reported were being bullied and labelled were not correct as they had already highlighted that only one case of alleged abuse was recorded at St Marys, Chitungwiza.
Investigations are currently underway on the case.
“It is not in the culture of the Zimbabwe Republic Police to sweep cases under the carpet. In fact, when members of the public fail to report we always appeal for information and when they are not forthcoming we are unable to act.
“In this regard reports of abuse and rape can be reported at any police station or directly to national complaints desk which is open 24/7 on telephone numbers (0242) 703631,” she said.
Comm Charamba said as security services they were guided by their constitutional mandate during the execution of any given task and at no time do they condone any unlawful conduct by the security forces which is obviously outside their mandate, responsibilities and duties.
She said any member who violates the Constitution will have themselves to blame as the law will be applied without reservation.
“We are also appealing to other stakeholders who might have information pertinent to our appeal to also come forward and assist. That assistance could be through encouraging those affected to report their cases or actually drawing our attention to cases that might have been brought to them. Remember we can only rid ourselves of all forms of unethical behaviour in our society if we collectively take the necessary action to expose, condemn and make those responsible accountable,” Comm Charamba said.
— ZBC News/Harare Bureau.
derick.khumalo