By Rudo Saungweme

Government has warned rogue elements against abducting fellow citizens, emphasising that this is against the provisions of the Constitution and ethos of the Second Republic.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana has informed the public today that torture, arbitrary punishment and degrading treatment of citizens by anyone is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution and ethos of the Second Republic.

“We have noted with concern and distress reports of alleged abductions and torture of citizens by unknown assailants in Harare. Whilst the Zimbabwe Republic Police are still investigating these allegations and establishing their veracity, Government would like to inform the public of the following:

“Torture, arbitrary punishment and degrading treatment of citizens by anyone is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution and ethos of the Second Republic.

“As Government, we undertake to uphold the rights of citizens to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Mangwana has stated that since the emergence of the New Dispensation, a force comprised of members from the old Government had been determined to discredit the efforts of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in turning around the economy.

“Since the emergence of the New Dispensation, there has always been a force comprised of discharged and disgruntled former members of the old establishment, of whom some are trained.

“These have shown a determination to impair President Emmerson Mnangagwa`s image as a sincere reformer through various acts of malice and criminality in order to cause both local and international outrage,” said Mr Mangwana.

Mr Mangwana has echoed that, the police will leave no stone unturned in efforts to detect and act upon any violation of human rights. He added that the investigation shall be professional and the outcomes shared with the public.

The citizens who were reported as having been abducted are Morgen Gumbo and Tatenda Mombeyarara.

Political analyst, Mr Tichaona Mangena, said that the G40, which has gone to bed with the MDC, has stooped to dangerous levels in a bid to discredit the New Dispensation.

“The G40’s hand in the alleged abductions is clear, and is aimed at derailing the country’s re-engagement efforts, especially as the alleged abductions come ahead of the SADC and UN Summits. The idea is to place Zimbabwe on the international spotlight.”