POLICE Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri yesterday described Madzibaba Ishmael Mufani’s Johanne Masowe weChishanu apostolic sect members, who turned violent and bashed police officers during a raid at the their Budiriro shrine in Harare, as “shameful, ungodly and loathsome” elements. PAIDAMOYO MUZULU SENIOR REPORTER
Addressing graduands at a police passout parade at Tomlison Depot in Harare, Chihuri said the police was deeply perturbed by the incident which displayed wilful disregard of the law by men and women of the cloth.
“What is apparently shocking about the reckless disregard for the law is that men and women of cloth are the perpetrators,” Chihuri said.
“This contradiction is not only deplorable, but shameful, ungodly and loathsome.
“The attack on police officers doing the constitutional duties is the height of delinquent behaviour which should never find any breeding space in our country and is thus roundly condemned.”
Chihuri, an apostolic sect member himself, buttressed his admonishment of criminals by quoting the scriptures, saying citizens should subject themselves to lawful authority.
“Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed and those who resist will incur judgment,” he said.
At least 36 members of the sect have been arrested over the incident and are still awaiting trial although Madzibaba Ishmael is reportedly still on the run. Chihuri, however, applauded police for reducing the crime rate, but expressed concern over the surge in sexual offences.
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“It is, however, disturbing to note that cases of rape involving juveniles increased as 1 494 cases were recorded between January and May 2014 compared to 1 384 cases received during the same period in 2013,” he said.
“I am pleased that the graduands before us undertook a rich and edifying catalogue of courses which among others, included the political history of Zimbabwe, human rights and policing and Domestic Violence Act.”
