Opinion / Columnist
Are the Police friends or enemies
05 Jul 2016 at 16:10hrs | Views
It was with a lot of interest that I read a message from a high level ZRP officer that is circulating on social media. It raised a lot of interesting points that are worthy of discussion.
"I want to assure Zimbabweans that the generality of the security forces are all with you. We have seen our bosses panic. We rent your houses, we use your free transport to go to work. we need nurses to look after us yet we are beating them and harassing them..." In essence, we cannot paint all police officers with one brush and say that they are all ruthless and defending an authoritarian government. I agree with this article that the police are not mercinaries from another country but or own brothers and sister who know what is going on in the country. The article then says that continue to protest and "return violence" to the police if they provoke you.
"Our cars a broken down and we know you will burn them down soon. Our teargas banks are dwindling and cannot last a week. The ZRP cannot control Harare if you the people of Zimbabwe decide to protest from all Harare locations" at the same time. This opened my eyes to how limited the forces are in both material and human resources. They must feel very vulnerable because if they are drawn out by a crowd and chase after the people, that leaves their vehicles unattended and easy targets for damage or burning . Without vehicles, they are essentially immobilsed. On realising this, it made me glad that I am not in their shoes.
It goes on to say " The security forces will not be paid this month because Chinamasa could not get loans from Europe." This suggests that they are aware that they may not be paid for the work that they are doing this month.
"Dont let the police take you fellow protesters easily. Fight to get them free." This seems to be advise about team work.
The article finishes off by saying "Don't lose hope. Don't kill us. We are part of you. Yes, return fight to those who are assaulting civilians". From this statement, it truly sounds like the ZANU government is on its last leg and cannot stand for much longer.
July 6th has been declared Shutdown Zimbabwe day so it will likely be a quiet day for the whole country. What will come after that, only God knows. We will find out if Zimbabweans have truly drawn the line for the ZANU government.
"I want to assure Zimbabweans that the generality of the security forces are all with you. We have seen our bosses panic. We rent your houses, we use your free transport to go to work. we need nurses to look after us yet we are beating them and harassing them..." In essence, we cannot paint all police officers with one brush and say that they are all ruthless and defending an authoritarian government. I agree with this article that the police are not mercinaries from another country but or own brothers and sister who know what is going on in the country. The article then says that continue to protest and "return violence" to the police if they provoke you.
"Our cars a broken down and we know you will burn them down soon. Our teargas banks are dwindling and cannot last a week. The ZRP cannot control Harare if you the people of Zimbabwe decide to protest from all Harare locations" at the same time. This opened my eyes to how limited the forces are in both material and human resources. They must feel very vulnerable because if they are drawn out by a crowd and chase after the people, that leaves their vehicles unattended and easy targets for damage or burning . Without vehicles, they are essentially immobilsed. On realising this, it made me glad that I am not in their shoes.
"Dont let the police take you fellow protesters easily. Fight to get them free." This seems to be advise about team work.
The article finishes off by saying "Don't lose hope. Don't kill us. We are part of you. Yes, return fight to those who are assaulting civilians". From this statement, it truly sounds like the ZANU government is on its last leg and cannot stand for much longer.
July 6th has been declared Shutdown Zimbabwe day so it will likely be a quiet day for the whole country. What will come after that, only God knows. We will find out if Zimbabweans have truly drawn the line for the ZANU government.
Source - Mlungisi Moyo
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