Harare suspends municipal officer after viral assault video

The City of Harare has suspended a municipal police officer who was captured in a viral video slapping a woman inside a council banking hall in Mbare, pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.

City of Harare corporate communications manager Stanley Gama confirmed the suspension on Saturday, describing the officer's conduct as unacceptable.

"What he did was unacceptable, and he has been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing," Gama said.

"It's not council policy to engage in violence, more so beating up a woman like that. The officer should have restrained himself.

"The City of Harare has in excess of 10,000 employees and the violent conduct of the suspended officer does not in any way represent what the City stands for. Details of the hearing will be shared with the public."

The suspension follows the circulation of a video showing the officer striking a woman during an altercation at the municipal banking hall.

In a statement issued on Friday, the City of Harare said the officer was off duty when he visited the banking hall and allegedly jumped the queue, prompting a confrontation.

According to the city, the woman's written statement indicated that she confronted the officer, leading to pushing and shoving between the two.

The council further said preliminary information suggested the woman allegedly bit the officer on the finger during the altercation, resulting in him receiving treatment at a clinic.

The confrontation escalated, culminating in the officer slapping the woman.

Police subsequently arrested both individuals on allegations of public violence before later releasing them.

The City of Harare said internal disciplinary proceedings against the officer will continue independently of any police investigations and reiterated that violence is inconsistent with the standards expected of municipal employees.