Where it suits them, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is unparalleled in cracking down crime. The Chronicle of January 20, 2016 carried the following story Luveve High robbery, rape suspects further detained.
By Moses Tsimukeni Mahlangu
The gang had raided Luveve High School and raped three women, two of whom were teachers. In addition, the robbers stole household goods. The gang was on a crime spree, having terrorised Cowdray Park residents they robbed a South African driver of R19 000.
Winos Dube, the Bulawayo United Residents’ Association chairperson hailed the swiftness with which the culprits were apprehended. Not to be outdone, the Bulawayo Progressive Residents’ Association communications officer praised ZRP for acting timeously.
Hard on the heels of the Luveve incident was the murder of Shingi Dhliwayo, who was a public relations officer for Air Zimbabwe. The murder took place in Botswana. The murderers were nabbed in no time. Botswana police, the International Police Organisation (Interpol) and ZRP did a sterling job by bringing the assailants to book.
Despite the fact that the dead may never come back, it is consoling to know that the perpetrators will eventually face justice.
However, the same accolades may not be heaped on ZRP when it comes to the handling of roadblocks, opposition parties and other civic groups. Firstly, roadblocks are too many and are no longer serving their intended purpose.
One would have thought that road blocks were meant to flush out unroadworthy vehicles, sniff out unlicensed drivers, as well as dealing with carjackers. Unfortunately, police are now at roadblocks for purposes of fundraising and lining up their pockets. These officers assume it is within their powers to impound vehicles for failure to pay spot fines, a practice that has since been outlawed.
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Courts have, on several occasions, ruled that it is not mandatory to seek police permission for purposes of holding public meetings or rallies, but the ZRP has brazenly defied the judgment.
What is even more frustrating is the selective nature in applying the so-called requirements.
It would appear that one needs to be on the right political side to be immune from the requirement of seeking police permission before holding a public gathering. Opposition parties, civic organisations, including trade unions have been ruthlessly dealt with for failure to seek police clearance. Unbelievably, the latest victims of this draconian requirement were none other than the war veterans.
The Constitution is very clear on citizens’ freedoms, which incorporate freedom to assemble and freedom of conscience, to name a few. These freedoms are trampled upon with impunity. At law, there is a maxim to the effect that ignorance is no excuse. Contrary to this maxim, police officers will claim that they are not aware of the existence of such prohibitions.
Put on scales, the good exploits by ZRP, which were alluded to earlier on, are outweighed by the darker side of their performance. Police are supposed to be peace and order custodians.
Once upon a time, there was a situation when the most respected and admired civil servants (especially in rural areas) were the police and teachers. The police have lost that dignity owing to the said underhand deals. On the other hand, teachers have been reduced in status due to failure by government to appreciate the noble role they play in society.
Moses Tsimukeni Mahlangu writes in his own capacity and can be reached on [email protected] for comments
