Viral Confrontation between Police and Motorist Explained

By Ilyana Sithole

Over the last few days, a video of a heated confrontation in Masvingo went viral. The man is seen resisting arrest as he loudly cries out for claims of police misconduct, accusing them of choking and extortion. Indeed, this has turned into a firestorm of debate as many netizens have criticized the methods used by the police.

In a bid to explain what really occurred during the scuffle, Police Commissioner Nyathi issued a statement. The police chief said the motorist, who was driving a Nissan Vannette with the registration number AEL 6423, first evaded a police roadblock on the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road. The officers had stopped him for a myriad of traffic offenses, but he took flight at the scene.

The suspect, police said, was aided by a member of the public to pursue him to Flo Garages in Masvingo, where the situation turned nasty. He became violent and combative, the commissioner said, and was recording the scene while committing the crime. He was arrested upon this so that processes of the law could be followed.

Commissioner Nyathi called for cooperation between citizens and the police, pleading with members of the public not to be confrontational as that may result in misunderstandings, leading to false accusations.

Whereas the video shared on social media is of a tense moment, the Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the community to look at the bigger picture surrounding the incident. With the new wave of misinformation spreading rapidly in today’s age, the Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the community to verify and fact-check incidents before posting them online.

We all have the duty and responsibility also for deep thinking over the data put before us. Discussion on such incidences certainly gets a fillip with an attempt at correctness and comprehension. Let us continue our efforts toward making our society more informed by trying to get to the truth before jumping to conclusions or taking action on incomplete narratives.

Some of the mixed responses to the viral video on twitter are 👇🏿
@nyiko30849
Masvingo police zimbabwe is led by criminals the likes of Muzhu & Chiredzi central we have police officers collude with livestock thieves. We have information and the suspects walking free in villages. We appealing to police ZRP head office to act on those who implicated.

@ZimFairness
This is extremely unprofessional and these officers should be suspended. Why are they abusing an unarmed driver instead of just charging him fir what ever traffic violation. ZRP is a waste of tax payer dollars.

@Mhofuyemukono08
“I can’t breath” 😭 #BlackLivesMatter

@ElaJemapel
This is how pathetic ZANUPF police behaves! Mnangagwa is to blame for all this craziness – he told them to look for money in the streets!
#BananaRepublic🇿🇼

@TZvendi
Levels of corruption, have reached alarming levels in the police force. They no longer enforce the law but just milking the struggling public