Derick Tsimba

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been appalled by a SkyNews report which showed a man being beaten by security forces.

The President on his twitter handle today posted that he had already instructed the security forces involved in the beating to be arrested, as this was not the Zimbabwean way.

“I was appalled by today’s SkyNews report. That is not the Zimbabwean way. I have instructed that the individuals behind this be arrested and encourage all those impacted to contact the authorities and file an official complaint,” said the President.

Recently whilst in Russia commenting on the situation at home, the President said the country had witnessed vandalism and violence when people were expressing themselves.

“As I have said numerous times, everyone in Zimbabwe has the right to express themselves freely-to speak out, to criticise and to protect. Unfortunately, what we have witnessed is violence and vandalism instead of peaceful, legal protests. There can be no justification for violence, against people and property. Violence will not reform our economy. Violence will not rebuild our nation,” he said.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador N.C.G. Mathema speaking recently during a press statement said the Ministry had acknowledged reports of alleged rape, sexual abuse and assaults being perpetrated by security forces.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, wishes to acknowledge reports of alleged rape, sexual abuse, assaults that have been perpetrated by security forces during the recent operations. So far the Police have received one such report from St Marys, Chitungwiza and the case is already under investigations.

“His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on record stating that any misconduct or insubordination by the security forces will not be tolerated and these will be dealt with severely. I wish to reiterate the same statement and in the same vein, I urge all complaints or guardians to come forward and report,” he said.