The Law Society of Zimbabwe has noted with grave concern the reports of the abduction of Acting President of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA), Dr Peter Magombeyi.
The reports come on the heels of several other reports of a similar nature that the country has experienced and which are estimated to be at least fifty-two (52), this year alone and with no arrests having been made.
We unreservedly condemn such wanton acts of violence upon the citizens of this country and call upon the Zimbabwean authorities to discharge their constitutional obligations of ensuring that all citizens, without discrimination, are protected at all times.
These abductions, assaults, torture and forced disappearances are not only international crimes but have no place in a democratic republic such as ours.
Section 52 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees every person a right to personal security and the State is obligated to ensure that such right is observed.
We call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to take credible and demonstrable action to ensure that abductions including the abduction of Dr Peter Magombeyi and other crimes such as assaults, forced disappearances and torture are speedily investigated and perpetrators made to account for their actions.
The state must be able to account to and for its citizens or risk loss of credibility. To that end, we exhort the state to move swiftly to restore confidence in its commitment to the protection of its citizens. That to date, no arrests have been made, is a cause for concern likely to cause alarm and despondency.
The Law Society of Zimbabwe is seeking urgent audience with relevant Ministries in a bid to encourage Government to act speedily, credibly and in good faith as it addresses these matters.
We reiterate our call that it is the responsibility and duty of government to provide safety and ensure the peaceful co-existence of its citizens.
Source: Law Society of Zimbabwe
