Staff Reporter

Government partnered with the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust (SAPST) to fine-tune the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission Bill which enables members of the public to lodge complaints against members of the security services, pursuant to Section 210 of the Constitution.

The main objective of the Bill is to provide for the establishment of an independent complaints mechanism for members of the public against members of the security services given cases of abuse and misconduct which have arisen in the past.

In a discussion fora between SAPST, Justice, Parliamentary and Legal Affairs, Defence, and Home Affairs, this Monday, they agreed that Government should fine-tune the bill to give specifics on how it would operate.

“Misconduct of the security personnel will include any criminal or act contrary to the proper exercise of the security member’s functions as specified in the constitution for instance death in the custody or as a result of members of the security services, unjustified discharge of an official firearm by any member of a security service, torture or assault in the execution of the security‘s duty...” said Assistant Speaker of Parliament and Zanu PF Seke-Chikomba, National House of Assembly legislator, Tatenda Mavetera.

Under the bill, Government has also vowed protection of citizens who would have lodged complaints against the security personnel.

“An aggrieved party may complain to the commission in writing. The complaint should be submitted in writing within three years of the act complained of, provided that the matter is not the subject of any court proceedings,” she said.

The commission will comprise of five members which will be appointed by the President after consultation with the Judiciary Service Commission and parliament.

Legal experts have pointed out that this Bill would go a long way in providing sufficient powers to investigate security personnel abuses as the Commission’s functions beyond those set out in section 210 of the Constitution. The Commission’s powers will extend to investigating political interference in the security services, inspecting places of detention and recommending changes to the law. 

Experts applauded the New Dispensation for initiating such a move adding that the very fact that such a commission would now be in existence would also go a long way in deterring members of the security services from misconduct.