THE ZIMBABWE
PEACE PROJECT
ZPP calls on government to respect the Constitution,
which clearly outlines the separation of powers, in
particular, the independence of the judiciary.
Similarly, on 14 September, members of the
ZRP arrested nine ZINASU members outside
the Harare Magistrate’s Court. They were
arrested for demanding the release of
Takudzwa Ngadziore. These cases of arbitrary
arrests highlight the State’s commitment to
disregarding rule of law, contrary to the
President’s speech at the General Assembly.
Citizens are detained without due process and
without the legal protections they are entitled
to, as enshrined under Article 56 of the
Zimbabwean Constitution.
In light of this, there is no shadow of doubt
that the police, the courts and the entire
justice system have become instruments of
silencing voices that speak out against
government’s excesses the same government
with the responsibility to ensure citizens enjoy
Constitutionally guaranteed rights and
freedoms. Regrettably, this month of
September, the ZPP recorded five abductions,
and yet none of the abductors have been
arrested and the situation is the same that
months or even years later the cases remain
unresolved. That there were 11 cases of
unlawful detention also goes to show that
police force continues to act unlawfully, with
impunity.
ZPP calls on government to respect the
Constitution, which clearly outlines the
separation of powers, in particular, the
independence of the judiciary. Zimbabwe is
founded on democratic principles and these
should be seen to be practiced, where the
courts treat citizens fairly and accord them
their rights, including the constitutionally
protected right to personal freedom, right to
bail, the right to demonstrate and petition,
and the right to associate freely.