Military working with police in law maintenance - Matemadanda

Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans Victor Matemadanda has said the military are working with the police  in the law enforcement dispelling the notion that the soldiers had taken over the role of the police.

He made the remarks during senate in parliament.

"Our Constitution spells out clearly the roles and functions of the military in the country.  The most important of all is maintenance of peace and defence of the country.  The other role is to work hand in hand with the Zimbabwe Republic Police in the maintenance of law and order if need arises," he said.

"What happens is if police on the ground sense that there is need for them to call for assistance from the military they can do so if there is a need.  This is enshrined in our Constitution which we crafted together that there should be a role set aside for the Zimbabwe Republic Police."

He said when the police feel there is need for them to call for a back up from the military and when the military is doing that, they are complying with the request for assistance because they will be following the Constitution which talks of unity in maintenance of law and order in the country.