as well as combined military and police drills
around Harare suburbs, where the forces’
vehicles, including tanks and water cannons
made rounds whirling syrens, typical of war
zones styles. ZPP also recorded incidents
where ZRP officers assaulted members of the
public, vendors and other informal traders in
public gatherings. In Kuwadzana, Harare,
about 35 citizens were assaulted by police
officers at Kuwadzana 5 Shopping centre on
the 16th of August. Similar occurrences were
reported in Kambuzuma, Mabvuku/Tafara,
Chitungwiza and Chipinge, Murambinda.
The policing trend was in itself a violation of a
host of human rights including political rights
(Sec 67), freedom of expression (Sec 61) and
that
of
peacefully
demonstrating
and
petitioning (Sec 59) as well as the right to
personal security (Sec 52).
The Zimbabwe Peace Project urges the
Government of Zimbabwe to uphold its human
rights obligations, protect the rights of
citizens, and engage in constructive dialogue
with civil society to foster a peaceful and
inclusive environment for all. ZPP further
implores the Zimbabwe Human Rights
Commission to investigate the reports of
excessive use of force by state security
agents, including reports of torture and
inhuman
treatment
and
prosecute
all
perpetrators. This also calls for the urgent
operationalisation
of
the
Independent
Complaints Commission so that all cases
against the security forces can be adequately
investigated and acted upon.
Ministry of Information, Publicity and
Broadcasting Services Permanent
Secretary Nick Mangwana posted a gun
wielding police officer on X
(August 27, 2024).
5