GOVERNMENT has applauded Zimbabweans for conducting themselves peacefully and orderly during the period preceding the 44th Sadc Heads of State and Government Summit and on the hosting days.
Zimbabwe hosted the Sadc summit nearly two weeks ago, with some sessions being held at the beginning of the month.
Speaking during Press briefing in Harare yesterday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage minister Kazembe Kazembe said the security sector was proud to be associated with a citizenry that chose peace ahead of conflict.
Kazembe reiterated that the security sector remains guided by the principle of separation of powers in its conduct.
“We will not seek to interfere with the duties of other arms of State. Similarly, the security sector will always be guided by appropriate legal instruments in enforcing the law and handling those found on the wrong side of the law,” he said.
“We, therefore, dismiss with the contempt they deserve, assertions by certain quarters of the community that the Judiciary and the security sector can be manipulated.
“The security sector will disregard any attempt at interfering with its work. Equally, we commit to be guided by professional ethics in avoiding any undue meddling in the affairs of other arms of the State by any of our members.”
Government went on a rampage crushing dissenting voices amid fears of protests during the Sadc summit, with over 165 opposition activists and human rights defenders in arbitrary detention.
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The crackdown began on June 16 targeting 79 members of the opposition Citizens for Coalition Change while they were celebrating the International Day of the African Child at one of the senior party member’s private residence in Avondale, Harare.
The police arrested and detained 79 people, including CCC interim party leader Jameson Timba.
During their arrest, the police used baton sticks and fired teargas at the group, resulting in injuries, including an serious injury to one member which required multiple surgeries.
They are all in remand prison, having been denied bail by the magistrates’ court countless times, save for Timba’s son and another minor.
The crackdown has been condemned by civil society organisations, which are calling for the immediate release of those arrested for simply practising their constitutional rights.
