By Own Correspondent- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Zimbabwean government to prosecute state security agents who perpetrated violence, murdered and raped civilians during the January 2019 protests.

The organisation said the arrest and prosecution of the state security agents should be done in order to send a clear message against security forces that violence against citizens will not be tolerated.

HRW released a report on Tuesday titled Zimbabwe: ‘Excessive Force Used Against Protestors’, in which it called for the release of people detained arbitrarily.

Read the report:

“The authorities should arrest and prosecute those responsible for abuses and send a strong message that crimes by the security forces won’t be tolerated.

… Law enforcement officials should not use firearms against people except to protect against the imminent threat of death or serious injury.

Southern Africa leaders should press Mnangagwa to put an end to security force abuses and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Instead of burying his head in the sand when it comes to human rights, (South Africa) President (Cyril) Ramaphosa should publicly urge his Zimbabwean counterpart to deliver on his promise to get to the bottom of these allegations and hold perpetrators to account.”