Police deny assault claims at Biti's offices

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed reports that the driver of opposition politician Tendai Biti was assaulted at his offices, stating that officers present at the scene did not witness any such incident.

National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the ZRP had taken note of media inquiries and social media posts alleging that Biti's driver had been attacked.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of traditional media enquiries and social media postings on the alleged attack on Tendai Biti's driver at his offices," Commissioner Nyathi said in a statement.

He confirmed that police officers had been deployed at the offices from the morning to maintain law and order.

"For the record, the Zimbabwe Republic Police deployed police officers at Tendai Biti's offices since morning for the maintenance of law and order," Nyathi said.

According to the ZRP, Biti and his driver left the premises between 1100 and 1200 hours without incident, with Biti engaging cordially with police officers.

"The police officers at the scene did not see or witness anyone beating or assault on Tendai Biti's driver," Nyathi added.

He further stated that if the alleged assault occurred at another location where police were not deployed, Biti and his driver should lodge an official report so that investigations could be carried out.

"If the assault incident occurred at another office which had no ZRP deployment, the Zimbabwe Republic Police urges Tendai Biti and his driver to make an official report so that investigations can be conducted," Nyathi said.

The statement comes after reports claimed that Biti's law firm had been stormed by police, with some staff allegedly harassed or beaten. The reports suggested the operation was intended to block the launch of the Constitution Defenders Forum, a grouping opposing Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which proposes extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028.