The state of human rights and policing in Zimbabwe has been a subject of intense scrutiny and concern. The policing system, which is supposed to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens' rights, has been fraught with instances of abuse, corruption and violation of human rights. The time has come to address the persistent issues within the Zimbabwean policing system, and hold the government accountable for their actions.
Human rights violations by the police in Zimbabwe have been rampant, often targeting political activists, journalists and ordinary citizens. Reports from organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch highlight numerous cases of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and torture.
We take a look back at the August 2018 Post-Election Violence. Following the disputed 2018 presidential election, the Zimbabwean police and military used excessive force against protesters, resulting in the deaths of six people and injuries to dozens more. Despite calls for accountability, many perpetrators have not been brought to justice.
In January 2019, Zimbaweans, tired of the fuel prices that were being raised sporadically, protested against the regime. In response to protests against a dramatic increase in fuel prices, security forces used live ammunition, tear gas, and beatings to disperse crowds. Reports indicated that at least 17 people were killed, and many more were injured or arrested arbitrarily.
Arrests of Journalists and Activists has become rampant. Journalists such as Hopewell Chin’ono and activists like Jacob Ngarivhume & Job Sikhala have faced arbitrary detention and harassment for exposing corruption and calling for government accountability.
The Zimbabwean Constitution, particularly Chapter 4 (Declaration of Rights), guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms, including the right to personal liberty (Section 49), the right to human dignity (Section 51) and the right to freedom from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment (Section 53). However, these rights are frequently violated by the police.
Key Constitutional Sections Ignored:
Section 58: Freedom of assembly and association, which is often violated when police crack down on peaceful protests.
Section 59: Freedom to demonstrate and petition, ignored during protests against the government.
Section 70: Rights of accused persons, frequently breached during arbitrary arrests and detentions without trial.
The Zimbabwean government must be held accountable for its failure to protect and uphold the human rights of its citizens. The lack of accountability for police misconduct has eroded public trust in law enforcement and the justice system. To restore faith and ensure justice, the following measures must be implemented:
Independent Investigations: Establish independent bodies to investigate allegations of police misconduct and human rights violations, ensuring transparency and impartiality.
Reform of Policing Practices: Implement comprehensive reforms to policing practices, including training on human rights and the proper use of force.
Judicial Oversight: Strengthen judicial oversight to ensure that perpetrators of human rights abuses are held accountable and victims receive justice.
Public Accountability: Regularly publish reports on the state of human rights and policing, and engage with civil society organisations to address concerns and implement recommendations.
The current state of human rights and policing in Zimbabwe is dire and demands immediate attention and action. The government must adhere to the principles enshrined in the Constitution and international human rights standards. The United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) is committed to advocating for these changes, ensuring that the police serve to protect and not to oppress the citizens of Zimbabwe. Only through concerted efforts and genuine reforms can Zimbabwe hope to rebuild trust in its public institutions and uphold the fundamental rights of all its people.
