The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has it is investigating allegations that Godfrey Karembera, a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist popularly known as Madzibaba Veshanduko for his dressing and stuff, was severely assaulted by Police this Thursday.
His lawyers, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) reported that he sustained injuries at the back and legs after being arrested allegedly for wearing yellow, CCC Party colour.
In a statement, seen by Pindula News, ZRP said Madzibaba Veshanduko allegedly used abusive language towards police officers who were trying to stop him from engaging in unsanctioned political activities. Reads the statement:
The ZRP is investigating allegations that Godfrey Karembera (43), who claims to be ‘Madzibaba Weshanduko’ was assaulted by Police officers in the Harare CBD today.
On the hand, he is alleged to have used abusive language to Police officers who were trying to stop him from engaging in unsanctioned political activities in the CBD.
The statement further said details on the matter will be made available once investigations have been made.
Responding to the police’s statement, Tinomudaishe Chinyoka a lawyer and member of the ruling ZANU PF party, said the use of abusive language is not a crime. He said:
Using abusive language (kutuka) is not (or at least shouldn’t be) a crime. But even if it was, nothing justifies physical violence on citizens. The police have no such power, and anyway, the moment you find yourself saying “but” or “on the other hand” on things like this: STOP
Chinyoka who was recently suspended from the Petrorade board of directors last week said what the police did should not be condoned in Zimbabwe no matter the party one supports.
He also said police do not belong to ZANU PF. His remarks come as the opposition is claiming that police take instructions from the governing party.
