Elections: Police to pull all the stops

POLICE have urged Zimbabweans across the country to report any form of politically-motivated crimes such as threats, intimidation and assault as the country nears harmonised elections set for July 30.

Addressing journalists after meeting the Zimbabwe Republic Police Mashonaland West senior officers in Chinhoyi yesterday, the ZRP Commander 2018 Harmonised Elections Committee Senior Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza also urged police details to be professional.

He said the ZRP was also committed to ensuring free, fair and credible elections held in an environment characterised by observance of the rule of law and maintenance of law and order.

“The conduct of the police officers is very crucial to ensure that the credibility and security of the polls is maintained in line with the pronouncement of His Excellency, Cde E. D. Mnangagwa on the need for stakeholders to observe and promote law and order before, during and after the plebiscite,” he said.

“In this regard all members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police are hereby directed to exhibit a high level of discipline during the pre-election and post-election period.”

Snr Asst Comm Makodza urged the police to exercise their constitutional mandate with respect to human rights and without fear or favour.

“As police, we are going to ensure increased visibility in all crime-prone areas and political gatherings to guarantee that a tranquil environment prevails throughout the entire election period.

“In this vein, all perpetrators of politically motivated crimes would be brought to book and cases expeditiously referred to court for prosecution.”

Special courts to deal with politically-motivated crimes have already been established across Zimbabwe.

“(They) are ready to deal with referred cases.”

Snr Asst Comm Makodza also urged all political parties to act within the confines of the law while observing political tolerance during the election period.

“On the other hand, members of the public are encouraged to report any form of political violence which includes threats, intimidation or assault to any nearest police station or the National Complaints Desk or Telephone Number 0242-703631,” he said.

President Mnangagwa proclaimed July 30 as elections day while the Nomination Court seats on Thursday this week.