PRESS STATEMENT: USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE BY THE POLICE ON PASSENGERS AND BUS OPERATORS 12 OCTOBER 2020
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum ('the Forum”) is appalled by the conduct of some of the members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) during their law enforcing duties. Of particular concern to the Forum is the conduct of police who on 12 October 2020 allegedly threw teargas canisters in a loaded bus which had women, babies and children among its passengers. Indications are that this happened at the Harare Show Grounds. Passengers in the bus were lmed and seen scrambling and escaping through windows. The video shows how excessive police action exposed passengers to the dangers of serious injuries from the jumping and from being run over by passing by motorists. The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has since conrmed this incident, indicating that the offending police ofcers have been arrested. The Forum expects this arrest to lead to full prosecution.
The Forum notes with serious concern that the conduct of the ZRP has consistently disregarded human rights, the rule of law and guidelines on policing as set down in national and international laws and regulations, to an extent that has seriously imperilled the administration of justice and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
Since the declaration of the current public health emergency, the impunity for gross human rights violations has escalated within the ZRP. ZRP A court judgment that was handed down by the High Court to regulate police conduct during law enforcement continues to be ignored; cases of excessive use of force in effecting the lockdown such as indicated in the video continue to be recorded. This is met with impunity.
The Forum has in the past called upon the Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner- General of Police to ensure that police in Zimbabwe are professionally trained to observe human rights and policing principles when enforcing the law. This latest episode of excessive use of force by the police on unarmed civilians is one in many which has seen many people suffer different injuries and even death at the hands of the police.
In light of the above the Forum urgently calls upon the Minister of Home Affairs, the Commissioner- General of Police, and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to:
Ensure that those responsible for endangering the lives of the people in this latest incident are arrested, fully prosecuted, and held accountable for their actions through the criminal justice system. They should also face internal disciplinary procedures. Ensure that members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police immediately stop perpetrating human rights violations including but not limited to beatings, excessive use of force, torture and abductions and the intimidation of civilians.
Ensure that the Zimbabwe Republic Police develops a code of conduct for the police which aligns with the minimum standards of conduct in the Luanda Guidelines; is based on the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (SARPCCO) Code of Conduct and addresses issues of implementation of the law through a review and revision of current training, and a strengthening of internal disciplinary systems; and
Ensure that the Government of Zimbabwe raties the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). Ÿ