Table of Contents
Abbreviations
4
1. Introduction
5
Methodology
6
2. Background to the report
7
3. Impunity by design – chronicling amnesties in Zimbabwe
10
Indemnity and Compensation Act of 1975
10
Amnesty Ordinance (3) of 1979 and Amnesty (General Pardon) Ordinance (12)
of 1980
10
Clemency Order of 1998
11
Clemency Order of 1995
11
Clemency Order of 2000
11
Pardons post 2000
11
4. Understanding the concept of impunity and Zimbabwe's national and
international obligations
13
International Standards
13
International law and curbing impunity
14
Zimbabwe and its relationship with international law
14
Regional African Standards
15
Zimbabwe's Legal Framework
15
Legislation governing the police in Zimbabwe
16
The Police Act – fit for purpose or part of the problem
16
A Rights Based Approach to Zimbabwe's Obligations at law
17
5. The excuse based approach to policing and human rights violations
in Zimbabwe
18
Who oversees the police in Zimbabwe
18
Causes of human rights violations by the police in Zimbabwe
18
Repressive legislation
19
Political meddling
19
Toxic police sub cultures
20
Following superior orders
21
Absent police oversight and complaints mechanisms
21
Lack of knowledge of human rights
22
6. The dream of justice – elusive or reachable
23
Will it ever be possible to prosecute all perpetrators?
23
Anti-Impunity Report
iv