Co-Home Affairs Minister rapped

Co-Home Affairs Minister Theresa Makone's attempt to secure the release of 19 suspects from police custody has been condemned by legal experts and analysts who say her actions amount to a criminal offence.

A legal expert Jonathan Samkange condemned the move by Mrs Makone to threaten the ZRP Borrowdale Officer-in-Charge demanding the release of 19 MDC-T activists who had been arrested for impersonating public officers.

Mr Samkange said Mrs Makone's actions are unlawful and a clear abuse of power as it is not within the powers of a minister to secure the release of accused persons from police.

He said the behaviour is unacceptable, especially when it comes from a minister whose party always claims to be the champions of the rule of law.

"There is no need for her to instil fear into her subordinates," said Mr Samkange.

A political analyst, Dr Charity Manyeruke said Mrs Makone should not forget that she is part of government and is a senior citizen who should respect the rule of law.

"There is the separation of powers and it is not a minister's obligation to release suspects," Dr Manyeruke said.

Though police did not name Mrs Makone as the minister who threatened the Borrowdale police Officer-in-Charge, investigations by ZBC News have revealed that she was the one who phoned.

Mrs Makone is also quoted in one of the daily papers confirming that she phoned Borrowdale Police Station seeking the release of the 19 suspects.

The 10 men and nine women were arrested on Thursday in Harare's Hatcliffe suburb for impersonating public officers.

They were wearing T-shirts and caps inscribed Ministry of Home Affairs and moving from house to house demanding to know if people had registered to vote.

They were also found in possession of a voters' roll.

The 19 are expected to appear in court soon.