of the whole sample, so it does not appear that the ZRP force members make much attempt to
hide their illegal activities.
Table 26
Distribution of named persons by Province
Percentage of total
Percentage of names
names
with rank
Bulawayo
5
36
Harare
23
29
Manicaland
27
29
Mashonaland Central
6
0
Mashonaland Eastl
9
25
Mashonaland west
15
9
Masvingo
10
0
Midlands
6
31
As can be seen from Table 26, the identification of alleged perpetrators varies across the
Provinces. In Bulawayo, Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland East, and the Midlands, at least 25%
of those named were officers above the rank of constable. By their active involvement in alleged
human rights violations more senior officers are setting a bad example and this also suggests
that these violations are at least condoned by the command structure of the ZRP.99
Some of those named are already notorious: Joseph Mwale of the CIO and Detective Inspector
Dowa of the Law and Order Section of the CID are well-known names and have drawn
considerable comment already. Other names have been mentioned in court cases, such as the
name Chatapura who was found to have inflicted torture on a person in police custody in the
case where the claimant was awarded damages for being tortured whilst in police custody.100 It is
also clear that Harare Central Police Station has an unenviable reputation for torture and human
rights violations, with a number of names being clearly identified with this police station.
99
This is well-illustrated by the recent torture of the ZCTU, where no member of the ZRP, or indeed the
government, condemned the violations, but rather most claimed that this was deserved.
100
The case in question is Mugwagwa v Minister of Home Affairs and Commissioner of Police HH-183-2004
Who guards the guards? Violations by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, 2000 to 2006
Select target paragraph3
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