Solomon Banda
The recent violent protests and the subsequent successful intervention by the security forces to restore normalcy, bring into perspective the role of the security forces in upholding peace and security in the country. The Zimbabwe security forces have since independence played a critical role in upholding peace and security in the country and they continue to do so with professionalism and integrity.
Zimbabwe enjoys peace today due to the sacrifices and efforts of numerous men and women in uniform who ensure that security is always maintained and sustained throughout the country. The security services’ contributions to peace and security has extended beyond the country’s borders with a number of officers, men and women taking part in various peacekeeping missions around the world.
Members of the Republic Police and Zimbabwe Defence Forces collectively continue to take part in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in Sudan, Somalia, Liberia, Cote D’Voire, Nepal, Angola, among many other countries. In addition, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces deployed in Democratic Republic of Congo to fight rebels that threatened peace in the Central African country. The people of DRC are now enjoying relative peace today partly due to the efforts of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
It is worth noting that in all international missions the forces have participated in, they have acquitted themselves professionally in carrying out their duties with distinction, and in the process, winning plaudits from the international community.
Locally, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces executed Operation Restore Legacy with distinction and have been pro-active in economic schemes such as Command Agriculture and partnering the Civil Protection Unit in disaster management operations as well as community assistance programmes, which are meant to improve community well-being through improving critical infrastructure.
Apart from these operations, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are also involved in humanitarian demining operations along the country’s borders, as well as championing charity initiatives. All this is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
The security forces have been proactive in the economic development of the country through maintaining a peaceful environment conducive for doing business.
Like minded Zimbabweans should be able to see the necessity of intervention by the security forces to quell recent violent protests. The security forces have always been faithful partners in the development of the nation and can never work against the people.
Judging by the above achievements and in light of the recent demonstrations and the reaction by the security forces, it is unfair for anyone to blame the forces for executing their duties successfully. With all due respect, it would be correct for one to assume that the recent allegations of torture, rape and harassment are a deliberate attempt to discredit the security forces as no evidence to prove the allegations has been brought forward.
Given the spurious nature of unsubstantiated allegations leveled against the security forces, one is left with no option but to believe that people behind the reports are pushing a known political agenda.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has called on citizens to report any cases of rape, torture and harassment and let the law take its course, but these calls have fallen on deaf ears. Could it be that the failure to bring forward evidence to support the said media reports is enough evidence to prove that the damaging stories are based on lies? Food for thought.
