Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart has challenged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to give an update on investigations into his assault and the theft of his phone. ZANU-PF officials Luckmore Gapa and Nicholas Hamadziripi have been named as the alleged attackers.
Coltart was assaulted and had his phone and glasses taken on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at the Harare City Sports Centre.
It happened during a parliamentary public hearing on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. Witnesses said he was attacked by suspected ZANU-PF supporters as he tried to leave the venue. Police later confirmed that investigations were underway.
On Monday, the ZRP distanced itself from a fake police statement that claimed officers could not arrest Gapa and Hamadziripi because of their close links to senior political figures.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has not issued any official press statement regarding updates on the alleged assailants of Douglas Coltart,” reads a police statement.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard any circulating statements purporting to be from the ZRP, as some individuals are deliberately spreading false and misleading information using fake ZRP press releases.
“The police are fully aware of these activities and investigations are currently underway to identify the people responsible for creating and distributing the fake statements.
“The public is urged to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information.
“The law will take its course against anyone found responsible for publishing or circulating false information, regardless of where those individuals are located.”
Coltart hit back at the statement, calling on police to give the nation an update on the assault and robbery. He said the attackers were caught on camera assaulting him and taking his phone.
“While you are discussing my case [Zimbabwe Republic Police], please could you update the nation on how far with your investigation of ZANU PF Central Committee member Luckmore Gapa and Nicholas Hamadziripi, who were caught red-handed on camera assaulting and robbing me of my phone,” wrote Coltart on X.
Doug’s father, David Coltart, who is the Mayor of Bulawayo, demanded that the ZRP arrest those implicated in the assault and robbery of his son.
“The question I have is when will the law take its course against the person known to have stolen [Doug Coltart’s] cellphone?” said Coltart.
“Why is it that despite clear photographic and video evidence of the crime and the criminal being made available, the criminal responsible for the theft has neither been arrested nor arraigned in court?”
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