BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has refuted allegations that they had sparked violence at the ZESA Training Centre in Harare, where 44 Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) activists were arrested on Wednesday morning.
“The Police were only called in after violence erupted amongst the ZINASU group,” ZRP spokesperson assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi said on X.
“The violence led to the destruction of ZESA and State property,”he added.
“As a result, Police were called in to come and maintain law and order. This is on record and can be confirmed by ZESA officials.”
The press statement was released after the human rights lawyers and civic organizations took to social media to condemn the police, alleging that they had instigated the violence.
ZINASU reported that the police, violently disrupted the ZINASU General Council Meeting at 10:00 am at ZESA National Training Center.
Most of the students were brutally assaulted and some were arrested and take to Harare Central Police Station.
Hours later, they updated the public that the students arrested were to be released on fine, but President Emmanuel SiTiMaH was taken into CID custody, amid calls for his immediate release.
But the ZRP stood firm, dismissing these claims and emphasizing that their sole objective was to maintain law and order.
“We appeal to civic organizations to verify with Police before issuing statements or raising unsubstantiated allegations,” Nyathi said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there are laws to be observed in the country and anyone who engages in acts of violence and destruction of property will be brought to book.”
Police did not disclose the whereabouts of the 44 and the ZINASU President.