POLICE have raised alarm bells after a Friday night rampage orchestrated by citizens left Harare law enforcement agents fleeing for dear life.
Police say citizens have been waiting in dark alleys to pounce on unsuspecting law enforcement agents.
The assaults come amid public fury over rampant abuse of office by custodians of the law as well as disproportionate use of force by police when conducting their duties.
Three police officers who were on patrol in Harare’s central business district fled for dear life on Friday night after a group of 16 male adults emerged from the shadows to beat up the police officers.
One of the gang members is said to have assaulted one of the police officers with open hands while the other two officers escaped unhurt and sought refuge at Harare City Council yard.
Police say the assailants went on to severely attack two uniformed forces at Engen Service station, corner Albion and Leopold Takawira Street.
The two were going home after reporting for duty.
“The police officers were rescued by a member of the security services and later took shelter inside Eat and Lick food outlet,” Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said.
Nyathi added that the assailants went on to loot a shop near the service station, taking with them various cellphones.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police condemns acts of hooliganism, attacks on police officers and robbery which occurred in Harare Central Business District last night, 22 November 2019 at 1930 hours,” Nyathi said.
“Criminal gangs and unruly elements who are attacking police officers and robbing members of the public in the CBD will only have themselves to blame as the full wrath of the law will be applied in order to ensure the culprits are brought before the courts to face justice,” Nyathi concluded.
The 16 assailants are still at large.
