Perspectives on execution of police powers and functions in the Republic of Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the views on the execution of powers and functions by the police, in light of challenges of abuse of powers and functions. This study made use of a total of 83 adult participants (73 for survey and 10 for In-depth Interview), males and females of diverse occupational background from Bindura and Mount Darwin policing districts in Zimbabwe. A close ended, mostly Likert Scale questionnaire was used to collect data from 73 respondents who were asked to respond on the prevalent forms of police abuse of powers and functions, while in-depth interview guide was provided to harness information qualitatively. The findings revealed that police officers abuse their powers through unlawful arrests, arbitrary search and seizure, excessive use of force, unlawful methods of investigations and ill treatment of detained persons. Though not as prevalent as other forms of abuse, malicious criminal prosecution and partisan policing were also cited as forms of police abuse of powers and functions.