CONDOLENCE MEESSAGE ON THE ALLEGED MURDER OF POLICEMAN MUTEDZA IN GLEN VIEW
1 June 2011
Harare- THE Harare Residents’ Trust (HRT) learnt with shock and disbelief at the alleged cold-blooded stoning to death of Inspector Petros Mutedza (42) in Glen View on Sunday 29 May 2011, while reportedly on police business.
Inspector Mutedza’s death came as it also emerged that a man claiming to be a leader in Zanu PF in Jourburg Lines of Mbare Mr Namion Chirwa was reportedly terrorising innocent residents for allegedly refusing to vacate their houses to pave way for identified Zanu PF youths. Mr Chirwa allegedly led a team of youths on Saturday and Sunday 28-29 May 2011 to evict residents, some of them card-carrying members of the Harare Residents’ Trust (HRT) in an unprovoked attack on the civil liberties of poor residents. The police must act on this and demonstrate their capacity to end violence in Mbare. Their failure to deal decisively with this issue will continue to impact negatively on their neutrality in cases of political violence. Residents deserve peace, security and protection from political persecution.
These two incidents, while separate, have a connection to the nation’s stability and law enforcement. The violent nature of the suspected perpetrators requires the nation to stop and ask- what is the real problem afflicting our society? Circumstances leading to the death of Inspector Mutedza are still unclear but one important fact to remember is that during the mayhem in Glen View, a human life was lost at the hands of violent people- whether it was political or social conflict is not the issue. There is no single reason to justify the murder of a human being, whether policeman or civilian. Death resulted from a misunderstanding. That was unnecessary, unjustified and demeaning to human dignity.
The HRT condemns in the strongest terms the murder of people for whatever reason, and urges the police force to exercise restraint as they investigate the murder of Inspector Mutedza. The expectation from the residents of Harare is that the police must demonstrate the same vigour they have shown in apprehending Inspector Mutedza’s murder suspects to assist them in their investigations when investigating the murder of other people slain in cold blood by known people, walking free on our streets.
Details of what transpired in Glen View are still sketchy and the HRT would want to see justice prevail at the end of the day to the satisfaction of the deceased’s wife and family. The real murderers should be arrested; fairly treated, prosecuted and deterrent sentences have to be imposed on them.
While none of the officials in the HRT knew Inspector Mutedza personally, it is important to appreciate the role of the police in maintaining law and order in our communities, within a democratic society. The HRT has had a beneficial relationship with some of the police stations dotted across Harare where our members facing eviction from their rented accommodation, and other related violations have been assisted.
Inspector Mutedza worked at various police stations in Harare and at the time of his death was stationed at Borrowdale Police Station. His cruel death robs the citizenry of another human being owing to the high levels of polarisation and intolerance in our community.
Inspector Mutedza will be greatly missed. Our condolences go to his wife, his children, relatives, friends and members of the police force, especially those at Borrowdale Police Station where he worked.
May his soul rest in peace
HRT
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