Commander 2018 Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) harmonised elections committee to the Commissioner General of Police, Senior Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza warned political parties against engaging in political violence saying the police will deal with perpetrators without fear or favour.
He also commended Zanu-PF and MDC Alliance for holding peaceful demonstrations this week. Read the full press statement below:
OBSERVANCE OF PEACE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE 2018 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to assure members of the public and all stakeholders that it is ready and geared to ensure that the forthcoming Harmonised Elections are held in a peaceful, violence free and conducive environment.
Firstly as Commander ZRP 2018 Harmonised Elections, I would like to commend political parties for the peace and maintenance of law and order that characterised the procession and rallies held in Harare on 5th and 6th June 2018. In this vein, I urge members of the public and political parties to continue exhibiting values and virtues of peace, non-violent conduct and above all, observance of the rule of law.
We are now in the election period after the recent election date proclamation by the Head of State and Government and Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, His Excellency, Cde E.D Mnangagwa.
It is apparent that political parties have intensified their campaigns through rallies, meetings and various gatherings; I thus urge all to act within the confines of the law and observe political tolerance throughout the election period. The Zimbabwe Republic Police will not tolerate acts of politically motivated nature such as inflicting or threatening to inflict bodily injury upon a person or detaining a person against his or her will and causing or threatening to cause unlawful damage to a person’s property.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any form of political violence which include threats, intimidation, or assault to any nearest police station or the National Complaints Desk on telephone numbers 0242 — 703631. May I reiterate that the police will arrest anyone who engages in any form of violence without fear or favour and refer them to court for prosecution.
(E.Makodza) Senior Assistant Commissioner
Commander 2018 ZRP Harmonised Elections Committee To the Commissioner General of Police
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