ZRP warns public against attacking police officers

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has expressed concern over the increase in cases in which members of the public were disarming and assaulting officers.

According to the police, some members of the public are also releasing suspects who would have been arrested.

In a statement yesterday, chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said such unlawful conduct should stop.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern that some members of the public are hindering police in the performance of their duties.

“Some are disarming police officers as they effect arrest or assault and obstruct them whilst conducting their constitutional duties,” she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said anyone engaging in such activities was defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

“Some members of the public are releasing accused persons who would have been lawfully arrested by police officers. These unlawful conducts by such members of the public should stop.

“Anyone engaged in these illegal acts will be contravening section 184 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act; Chapter 9:23, ‘Defeating or obstruction the course of justice,’” she said.

She said police were investigating circumstances in which two police officers were attacked with machetes and beer bottles by five people in Kadoma last Friday.

“Police had to fire warning shots and in the process disarmed the gang. The accused were then arrested after the shooting incident.”

The recent cases come after early this month, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga said although relations between police and the public were improving, the force would continue making efforts to gain public trust.

In December last year, ZRP conceded that inadequate supervision and unbecoming behaviour by some members of the force had eroded public trust, faith and confidence.

In an interview recently, Comm-Gen Matanga said: “I personally understand that the relationship between members of the public and the Zimbabwe Republic Police is improving by day.”