Heal Zimbabwe Trust is deeply concerned by the increase in cases of political violence as the 26 March by elections draw close. What is more worrying is the continued abuse of the law by agents of the state that should ordinarily be enforcers of the law and protectors of the people from political violence.
The arrest and brutal torture in police custody, of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Godfrey Karembera popularly known as Madzibaba Veshanduko on 17 March 2022 is a clear case of partisan political abuse of the law by the police. Such abuse of citizens must find no expression in a country that has a comprehensive Bill of Rights that exclusively provides for Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
It is disheartening that at a time when they are needed the most, the police has not only abdicated from their Section 2019 obligations to maintain law and order and protect the citizens but have become active participants in the violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms of citizens.
In light of the above,Heal Zimbabwe implores political players and agents of the state to respect and safeguard political rights that are provided for in 67 of the Constitution. We also remind the Zimbabwe Republic Police that the rights of arrested persons are clearly spelt out in the Constitution and so is the freedom from torture and inhuman treatment.
Heal Zimbabwe calls on all Chapter 12 institutions to fulfill their constitutional mandate of securing the observance of democratic values and principles by the State and all institutions and agencies of government ahead of the by elections. Tolerance, peace and respect for the Constitution are critical for social cohesion and our democracy.
Source: Heal Zimbabwe
