Motorist Assaulted by Police in Masvingo for Allegedly Refusing to Pay a Bribe: Calls for Investigation Mount
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | MASVINGO, Zimbabwe – Footage has emerged of two Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers allegedly assaulting a motorist for refusing to pay a bribe, raising serious concerns about police misconduct and abuse of authority in the country. The incident, which took place in Masvingo, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for a formal investigation.
In the video, the motorist, who remains unidentified, can be heard repeatedly pleading with the officers to take him to Masvingo Central Police Station. The man’s voice is clear as he questions the officers’ motives: “You won’t let me go because I refused to pay money?” Despite his request to be handled according to legal procedures, the officers continue to hold him down forcefully, attempting to handcuff him.
One of the onlookers at the scene questions the officers’ actions, saying, “There’s nowhere he can go, what’s the point of using handcuffs?” The motorist, still pinned down, echoes this sentiment, asking, “Where do you think I will go?” and firmly asserts, “I won’t give you any money.”
At one point in the footage, one of the officers tries to deescalate the situation by addressing the motorist in a seemingly calm manner, stating, “We will go, my friend,” but this does little to change the ongoing use of excessive force. As the altercation continues, the officer is seen applying significant pressure on the motorist’s neck, prompting distressing cries for help from the man, who says, “Stop pressing my neck.”
Despite his repeated pleas, the officers continue their actions. The motorist, clearly in pain, shouts again, “Stop crushing my neck, stop crushing my neck,” but his words are ignored as the officers persist with their aggressive conduct.
The video has since circulated on social media, prompting an outcry from the public and human rights advocates, who are calling for immediate action against the officers involved. Allegations of police corruption, including the solicitation of bribes, have been a long-standing issue in Zimbabwe, and this incident has reignited demands for reform within the ZRP.
Legal experts have noted that such actions could lead to both criminal charges against the officers and civil suits for damages if the motorist pursues legal action. Zimbabwean law mandates that police officers conduct arrests without the use of excessive force, and any allegations of assault or misconduct must be fully investigated.
At the time of reporting, the ZRP has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, there is growing pressure from civil society organizations and the legal community for a thorough investigation and for the officers to be held accountable under the law.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues of police corruption and abuse of power, and it raises urgent questions about the measures in place to protect citizens from such violations of their rights.
Further developments are expected as calls for justice continue to grow.
Legal Implications: If proven, the actions depicted in the video could lead to criminal charges against the officers, including assault and misconduct in public office. In addition, the victim may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit for unlawful arrest, assault, and violation of his constitutional rights under Zimbabwean law.
Authorities are being urged to ensure transparency in the investigation and to take swift action to restore public confidence in law enforcement institutions.