By Revesai Mavetera
In an alarming incident that unfolded in Harare City Centre, Zimbabwe, police brutality once again took center stage as a man’s peaceful protest was met with excessive force and violence. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has ignited public outrage and raised concerns about freedom of expression in the country.
The incident occurred at the corner of Sam Nujoma and Josiah Tongogara streets this morning, where a lone protester stood atop his car, chanting “Free Zimbabwe, free Zimbabwe.” Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration, the man was swiftly apprehended by a group of police officers, some in plain clothes. Astonishingly, even after the man was in police custody, the officers proceeded to subject him to further physical abuse inside a twin cab pick-up, striking him with batons. The brutal treatment meted out by the police has left citizens questioning the excessive use of force, particularly when the protester was already detained. Zimbabweans, politicians, and civil rights groups have united in condemning the actions of the police, demanding an explanation for the violence and emphasizing the importance of respecting constitutional rights.
Fadzayi Mahere, spokesperson for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), expressed her dismay, stating, “Why were you beating this man early this morning? Is this not a disproportionate use of force? What offense did he commit? What law is this? It’s unconstitutional to beat & torture someone. The public has an interest in knowing why such violence was used.”
Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyer’s Roselyn Hanzi wrote on the matter saying ” ZRP have a constitutional obligation to respect human rights. Practice of torture is prohibited. Sec 59 of Constitution guarantees freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman degrading treatment or punishment. Under international law, torture attracts universal jurisdiction.
The incident has drawn international attention, with Olive Ruvimbo Ruzvidzo, CCC Interim Chairperson for the Leicester Branch in the UK, highlighting the need to address police brutality. Ruzvidzo questioned the constitutionality of the incident, exclaiming, “How constitutional is this? In broad daylight???? Brutality needs to stop. What has this person done to warrant this???? Stop violence!”
Prominent exiled Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Felix Ndiweni expressed his disappointment, drawing attention to the silence of the ruling Zanu PF government. He noted, “This is just ‘NOT’ acceptable. The Zanu PF government joined in the protests about police violence in the USA that led to the murder of George Floyd. This video in Zim is much more violent. What say you, Zanu PF government? You seem to be quiet about such conduct.” Lloyd Msipa, a political analyst and commentator, condemned the police brutality, stating, “This is how far we have strayed from ‘the voice of the people is the voice of God’ mantra. Police brutality has no place in the Zimbabwe we want.
The role of the police is to arrest and present to the courts those it suspects have committed an offense. This show of brutality will one day be punished! History is instructive.” As public outcry grows, activist Lily Nyoni questioned who would hold the police accountable for their violent actions, particularly under the Zanu PF government. Nyoni remarked, “Not the ED government, as we have him on record celebrating when citizens were being brutalized by the army. Please vote for CCC. #ZanuPFMustGo.” With Zimbabwe heading toward elections, the incident has become a rallying point for citizens to consider the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) as a viable alternative.
The CCC has promised to address injustices in the country by dismantling repressive laws enforced by the current Zanu PF government under the leadership of Emmerson Mnangagwa. The party has vowed to prioritize the retraining of police officers in human rights and the appropriate use of force during arrests..
