By Own Correspondent- The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called upon Southern Africa leaders including president Cyril Ramaphosa to come out clean on President Emmerson Mnangagwa regarding human rights violations and the use of excessive force on unarmed civilians which has seen the deaths of innocent civilians.

The organisation urged the government to hold to account security agents responsible for the death of protestors in January over fuel price increases and the alleged raping of women during the same period.

Said the HRW in a recently released report titled “Zimbabwe: ‘Excessive Force Used Against Protestors”:

“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.

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.”