Charity Charamba speaks on kombi child death

The police has taken a swipe at some media houses for practising what it called 'irresponsible journalism' following reports that the Commissioner-General is responsible for the death of a child who was knocked down by a commuter omnibus driver who was running away from police officers.

Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said in a statement that they "do not wish anyone to be maimed or killed during any part of their lives, thus the very reason why ZRP strives to maintain law and order."

"However, for those who feel that the police are collecting money from law abiding citizens, who have not breached any law, let me reiterate that they should report to any nearest police station…," said Assistant Commissioner Charamba.

She said the police are aware of some unscrupulous law breakers who drive defective and un-roadworthy vehicles and are in the habit of negotiating their way with police officers, warning such culprits that they will face the full wrath of the law.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with the reckless and malicious reportage meant to tarnish the image of the police and to weep up emotions amongst the public with the intention of turning the same public against the police and at the same time the ZRP will not allow journalists to advocate for a lawless country," she said.

The statement comes after a front page article headlined, "Chihuri you're responsible" by the Newsday's Staff Reporter and The Editorial comment titled, "Child Kombi death: Buck Stops With ZRP" published on Thursday April 24, 2014, blaming the police for causing a road traffic accident which occurred on 22 April 2014 at 5pm at Corner Chinhoyi and Kwameh Nkrumah Avenue in Harare.

"The Staff Reporter alleges that a commuter omnibus fleeing from a 'menacing police officer' knocked down Neil Tanatswa Mutyora (3), who later died due to injuries sustained.

"For the record, no police officer was involved in that accident. We expect reporters to verify facts before accusing the police.

"The true facts of the matter are that Kusotera Lloyd NR 63-123973-Y-07 aged 29 of Number 10950 Ngezi Close, Budiriro 5A, Harare, who was driving a Toyota Hiace Reg Number ACQ-7293 was picking up passengers at an undesignated point at corner Chinhoy Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue. Upon seeing police details who were on decongestion duties, Kusotea Lloyd drove at high speed against a one-way along Chinhoyi Street towards Samora Machel Avenue. Such a high irresponsibility is not even an issue for the journalist who reported.

"In the process, Kusotera Lloyd knocked down Neil Tanatswa who was crossing Chinhoyi Street in the company of his sister. Tanatswa sustained head injuries and was rushed to Avenues Clinic where he died on admission."

Assistant Commissioner Charamba said while the ZRP regrets the loss of innocent life, they are demanding that commuter omnibus drivers should not flee from the police and observe the laws of the country.

"It is disturbing that journalists often abuse their journalistic privileges and attack law enforcement agents on issues that police are not responsible for. We wonder why such journalists are not interrogating the unruly behaviour of the commuter omnibus drivers," she said.

She called on the media to practice responsible journalism, verify facts and write objectively, saying the unruly behaviour of commuter omnibus drivers should not get accolades from the media.