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The 'law shall be applied fully and squarely' to the police who abuse their power - Chihuri
29 Mar 2012 at 22:57hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri on Thursday described the assault of people by Shamva police which left a mine worker dead as an act of hooliganism. He warned members of the force that stern action will be taken against those who abuse authority.
Commenting on the events in Shamva which recently left a mine worker dead, he said such action should never be repeated.
Speaking at a pass-out parade in Harare, Chihuri said the incident was uncalled for and far exceeded the call of duty by police officers.
"Discipline was ignored and hooliganism took centre stage. We regret it and the law will take its course.
"Such an act or similar acts should never be repeated and should they do, the law shall be applied fully and squarely," he said.
Comm-Gen Chihuri sent a condolence message to the late Luxmore Chivambo's family.
"On behalf of the organisation and on my own behalf, I pay our deepest condolences and our heartfelt sympathies to the widow of the late Luxmore Chivambo, the Chivambo family, the Shamva community and the nation at large on the murder of Luxmore Chivambo and the victims of assaults by some of our own," he said.
On Monday, Shamva Police Station officer-in-charge Inspector Aspias Shumba and six other policemen appeared at the Harare Magistrates' court facing murder and assault charges.
Shumba and his accomplices Motion Jakopo (41), Simon Mafunda (32), Michael Makwalo (30), Lee Makope (23), Benedict Tapfuma (22) and Blessing Saidi (26) are accused of murdering Chivambo and injuring 11 others.
The other victim, Shepherd Hudye, was still admitted at Shashi Hospital in Bindura while the remaining 10 were treated and discharged.
It is alleged Shumba's wife, Judith, was robbed of a purse containing US$100 and a mobile phone.
She allegedly reported the theft to Shumba who mobilised his subordinates to investigate the matter.
They reportedly rounded up residents of Ashley compound and assaulted them demanding to know who had stolen Judith's cash and cell phone.
The seven appeared before Mr Donald Ndirowei who remanded them in custody to April 13.
Commenting on the events in Shamva which recently left a mine worker dead, he said such action should never be repeated.
Speaking at a pass-out parade in Harare, Chihuri said the incident was uncalled for and far exceeded the call of duty by police officers.
"Discipline was ignored and hooliganism took centre stage. We regret it and the law will take its course.
"Such an act or similar acts should never be repeated and should they do, the law shall be applied fully and squarely," he said.
Comm-Gen Chihuri sent a condolence message to the late Luxmore Chivambo's family.
"On behalf of the organisation and on my own behalf, I pay our deepest condolences and our heartfelt sympathies to the widow of the late Luxmore Chivambo, the Chivambo family, the Shamva community and the nation at large on the murder of Luxmore Chivambo and the victims of assaults by some of our own," he said.
Shumba and his accomplices Motion Jakopo (41), Simon Mafunda (32), Michael Makwalo (30), Lee Makope (23), Benedict Tapfuma (22) and Blessing Saidi (26) are accused of murdering Chivambo and injuring 11 others.
The other victim, Shepherd Hudye, was still admitted at Shashi Hospital in Bindura while the remaining 10 were treated and discharged.
It is alleged Shumba's wife, Judith, was robbed of a purse containing US$100 and a mobile phone.
She allegedly reported the theft to Shumba who mobilised his subordinates to investigate the matter.
They reportedly rounded up residents of Ashley compound and assaulted them demanding to know who had stolen Judith's cash and cell phone.
The seven appeared before Mr Donald Ndirowei who remanded them in custody to April 13.
Source - Byo24News
