stated his support for ZANU-PF in violation of constitutional provisions requiring him to be politically neutral.63 In July 2012 High Court Judge Nicholas Mathonsi highlighted blatant police partiality and unwillingness to perform their duties in cases where ZANU-PF supporters are perpetrators of political violence.64 In passing judgment in a case of the murder of two MDC supporters by known ZANU-PF supporters in 2001, the judge said: Although the assailants are known, were mentioned by name, and the police officers witnessed the assault only to plead with the criminals to release the victims, we are told more than 10 years after the victims met their painful death, that the co-accused persons are still at large. How can they be at large when the police officers witnessed the assault? Why did they not arrest them then and there? Why did it take such a long time to even commence this excuse of a trial? It really leaves a sour taste in the mouth, as it suggests that the police just stood akimbo as innocent victims were bludgeoned to death in their full view. The assailants were then allowed to walk free. In my view, the police should do a lot of soul searching if they are to sustain any credibility in the eyes of those whose safety and well-being they are sworn to safeguard.65 The bulk of political violence in Zimbabwe involves state security agents, and is fueled by the failure of the police and the judiciary to hold accountable the perpetrators of serious abuses and provide justice for victims. Urgent reforms essential for free and fair elections should focus on the prevention of politically-motivated violence. Unless the government institutes measures to prevent the security forces—particularly the military, the police, and 63 “Chihuri ‘shreds’ Police Act to protect Mugabe,” The Standard, August 15, 2012. Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri has publicly declared his political allegiance to Zanu-PF in contravention of the Police Act. 64 State v. James Muromo & Another, High Court of Zimbabwe, Case No. HH 286-2012, July 2012. 65 Ibid. 23 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | JANUARY 2013