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The assault of Dr Lovemore Madhuku by anti-riot police
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
February 05, 2004

The Human Rights Forum condemns unreservedly the savage attack on Dr Madhuku and his colleagues in the NCA by anti-riot police on 4 February 2004.

Whether or not the provisions of the draconian Public Order and Security Act (POSA) were complied with by the NCA in holding a demonstration for a New Constitution outside Parliament, the barbaric treatment meted out by the anti-riot police to the demonstrators, accompanied, according to the reports, by threats on the life of Dr Madhuku, is totally unjustified and deserves condemnation.

The Human Rights Forum with its 17 member organisations exists to assist victims of organized violence.It publishes monthly reports on violence in Zimbabwe. The statistics included in the reports are a shocking indictment against the perpetrators of such violence, especially against certain members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and their ancillaries.

The conduct of the anti-riot police on 4 February 2004 contravened sections of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, let alone the Code of Conduct of the ZRP itself. It also resulted in severe pain and trauma to the victims.

The continuing cruel and inhuman behaviour by some law enforcement agents has become common-place.It casts serious doubts on the ability and sincerity of the Commissioner of Police and his seniors to fulfill their constitutional obligations to the public; a matter of the gravest concern both nationally and internationally.

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