Show tolerance, politicians urged

by shunning political intolerance and violence in the forthcoming harmonised elections.
Chief Justice Chidyausiku was speaking at a passout parade for 299 police officers who completed six months’ training in Harare yesterday.
“This is especially so, since such periods are characterised by political activism that usually degenerates into political tension and violence,” he said.
The police officers covered subjects such as Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act chapter 9:23, police powers, procedure and the law of evidence, human rights, foot and arms drill, police duties and investigations, public order management and weapon handling.
Chief Justice Chidyausiku said the police officers should transform the knowledge acquired into operational prowess to effectively curb crime.
“More importantly, let me extend my utmost appreciation for the cordial relationship that exists among key institutions in the justice delivery system, that is, the police, the prosecution and the judiciary,” he said.
“It is no doubt that such positive interface buttresses the effectiveness and efficiency of the justice delivery system in our country.”
Chief Justice Chidyausiku said failure by any of the institutions to diligently execute its mandate would negatively impact on the maintenance of law and order.
He said the two concepts of law and order and that of the rule of law were pivotal to peace, stability and the well-being of any democratic nation.
Chief Justice Chidyausiku said society had a legitimate expectation and looked up to the police and the judiciary for the maintenance of law and order and the promotion of rule of law.
He said the courts were very appreciative of the “hard and tireless” work put in by the police in the fight against crime.
Chief Justice Chidyausiku said there should be sufficient grounds or sufficient evidence placed before the court for an offender to either be denied bail or be convicted. 
He called on people to abide by the laws of the land, taking into cognisance that social, political and economic development could only be realised in a peaceful environment.
He said he was aware of the “spurious and malicious allegations” of the absence of rule of law in the country.
“These, of course, are not true. The sanctions and the demonisation of Zimbabwe are calculated to bring down Zimbabwe,” said Chief Justice Chidyausiku.
“We who live here know what this is all about. When the indigenous people of Zimbabwe reclaimed their land and natural resources through the land reform programme and the indigenisation policies they stepped on the toes of the rich, mighty and powerful.
“The mighty and powerful not only imposed sanctions, but also unleashed their demonisation through their propaganda machinery which had a devastating effect on the good image of Zimbabwe.”
The passout parade was witnessed by Home Affairs permanent secretary Mr Melusi Matshiya, Zimbabwe National Army commander Phillip Valerio Sibanda, Attorney General Johannes Tomana and police commissioner Augustine Chihuri.