The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Saturday, August 22 deployed armed police officers to block a prayer rally for missing human rights activist, Itai Dzamara.
The prayer rally, which was stopped at the last minute, was set for Zvishavane.
The move by the ZRP to block the prayer rally for the missing human rights activist puts the sincerity of the law enforcement agents into doubt as far as the search for Dzamara is concerned.
Of major concern is the fact that the police, who are supposed to be leading the search for Dzamara are actually frustrating events organised to raise awareness as well as to pray for Dzamara’s safe return.
If anything, Saturday’s action by the ZRP only serves to heighten fears that the State had a hand in the disappearance of Dzamara while at the same time exposing the state’s reluctance to abide by a High Court ruling that they should to everything necessary to ensure that Dzamara is found.
Five months after Dzamara disappeared, the police continue to express ignorance over his whereabouts yet they are blocking efforts aimed at aiding the search for Dzamara.
The double standards being exhibited by the law enforcement agents on Dzamara are very worrying.
Prayer meetings for Dzamara have either been called off at the last minute while in some instances; organizers are forced to make last minute appeals at the courts to get clearance.
The police are supposed to be custodians of the law, protecting people’s fundamental rights and freedoms rather than to be at the forefront of thwarting the citizens’ constitutional rights.
We urge the government to treat the Dzamara issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Calls by top government officials like Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa for Dzamara to be located are welcome but government’s commitment will be measured through the operations of its arms such as the ZRP.
Press release by Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
