Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri yesterday described the police officers who allegedly killed a Shamva man during a raid on a compound recently as overzealous hooligans.
Luxmore Chivambo was killed a fortnight ago and several residents were seriously injured when police attacked the compound following the alleged theft of a purse belonging to the wife of the officer-in-charge.
Seven police officers, including their officer-in-charge Aspias Shumba, have already appeared in court facing murder charges.
Yesterday, Chihuri apologised to the Chivambo family and Shamva residents for the incident.
This incident was uncalled for and far exceeded the call of duty by police officers, he said at a passout parade for 273 police recruits at Morris Depot in Harare.
Discipline was ignored and hooliganism took the centre stage. We regret it and the law will take its course.
The seven were remanded in custody to April 13. Police allegedly stormed Ashley Mine compound after Shumbas wife Judith reported that she had been robbed of her wallet which contained $100 and a Nokia 7209 cellphone.
Shamva residents held a demonstration denouncing the police conduct. In the past Chihuri has defended police when they use heavy-handed tactics against defenceless people especially during demonstrations.
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Meanwhile, the police commander commended traffic police officers for maintaining a heavy presence especially on Harare roads, adding this had significantly reduced commission of traffic offences.
The police will do their job without fear or favour despite attacks presented as reasoned debate. The implications of rushed decisions may have telling effects on the crime situation in the country.
The heavy police presence on the roads had sparked serious debate, prompting government to consider crafting a policy to stop the police from demanding spot fines.
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