Decision to keep Chihuri is a ‘retrogressive step’

By Tichaona Sibanda
9 February 2012

The decision to keep Augustine Chihuri as commissioner-general in an acting capacity has been described as a retrogressive step by a number of leading pro-democracy activists.

The activists expressed disapproval of his continuous stay at the helm of the force saying it will not help clean the tainted image of the police. Many believe Chihuri was given a lifeline when the principals failed to give a timeline of how long he will serve before a new police chief is appointed.

Instead, the principals said the Police Service Commission must be ‘regularised’ so that it makes recommendations of potential candidates to President Robert Mugabe. It is feared ZANU PF can prolong this process, up until the last days of the unity government, to ensure Chihuri’s presence during the elections.

The activists contend his presence at the Police General Headquarters will remain a key battle between President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

Dewa Mavhinga, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition’s regional director in South Africa described as ‘terrible’ the principals’ decision to stick with Chihuri.

His 19 years as boss of the police have been laced with allegations of political bias and complicity in human rights abuses. The former liberation war fighter openly supports ZANU PF, which is a breach of the police Act.

Political analyst Munjonzi Mutandiri told SW Radio Africa on Thursday that the acting commissioner-general’s issue was very disturbing to say the least.

“We have known that Chihuri stands as one of the impediments in terms of reforms within the police force itself. We have seen his biasness, even during the period of this inclusive government,” Mutandiri said.

He added: “Whether you like it or not, he is currently the commissioner-general. He’s discharging his duties as before and there is nothing that inhibits him from doing what he was doing before.”

MDC-T spokesman Douglas Mwonzora backed the decision by his party leader to let Chihuri continue in an acting capacity, saying the move is “a starting point.”

“We know people have raised very good points about Chihuri. This is only the beginning, and it is up to us as parties, especially the MDC-T to expedite the process to find a new man for the job,” Mwonzora said.

He added: “Our leader is really pushing to ensure there is real change on the ground and if there is political will from our partners from ZANU PF, its possible things might move a bit faster than before.”

A leading journalist with the Daily News told SW Radio Africa that despite reservations from civil society organisations; it will not be business as usual for Chihuri. He said what ever action Chihuri takes from now on, he would have to be wary of its repercussions if he wishes to be re-considered for the post.

“He will have to be careful with the way he discharges his duties because some of his actions might come back to haunt him during the selection process, as the Police Service Commission will have individuals chosen by the three parties in the inclusive government,” the journalist said.

The senior journalist said there is also intense infighting in the police force to push Chihuri out, with Police Deputy Commissioner Innocent Matibiri marked as Chihuri’s biggest challenger.

“Not only does Matibiri enjoy the support of the MDC formations but he is also Mugabe’s nephew, a university graduate described as an ultimate professional by his peers and subordinates,” the journalist said.

“If the process to find the new police boss is done through the proper channels, Chihuri will have a big fight on his hands because he faces a very serious challenge from some of his deputies,” according to the journalist.