By Talent Gondo

ZRP Spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, has confirmed that the ZRP had turned partisan during President Robert Mugabe’s era indicating that the organisation had however turned over a new leaf with the coming in of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his new administration.

Addressing the media in the capital Harare, Commissioner Charamba said it was no longer business as usual for the force since the current leadership was geared on executing Constitutional provisions accordingly.

“I am saying this time around, the leadership has made it very clear that it is no longer business as usual and all police commanders were addressed and people are working towards achieving results- to show that police will be conducting their business in a different way and I am sure you have not seen this before, showing that we are doing our business in a different way,” said Commissioner Charamba.

“All cases will be dealt with in a just and fair manner without any bias or discrimination to any political party.

“When I say all the cases, I mean all the cases irrespective of your political party, skin colour or gender,” she said.

Commissioner Charamba told journalists that the organisation had appointed an elections commander in a move aimed at ensuring that all election related issues are dealt with urgently and fairly without bias or discrimination.

Senior Assistant Commissioner, Erasmus Makodza is the ZRP 2018 Elections Commander and he pledged to effectively implement Constitutional provisions on elections adding that political parties should warn their members against any acts of violence as the country heads towards harmonised polls.

“Political parties and their members should desist from engaging in political violence as they hold their primary elections.

He said as the country heads for the 2018 elections, people should know that any acts of violence will be dealt with accordingly.

“Specialised courts have been set up by the responsible judiciary arms of government to deal with politically motivated crimes.

“We have also set up teams of experienced investigators in provinces to expedite the investigation and compilation of dockets for prosecution. This is in line with Section 133H of the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13,” he said.