The Sunday Mail
Levi Mukarati and Norman Muchemwa
The Commission of Inquiry into circumstances surrounding the violence that rocked Harare on the 1st of August 2018, following the July 30th general elections, yesterday began its duties in an exercise expected to be conducted within three months.
Last Thursday, former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe took an oath before the President at State House, followed by other members of the probe team.
Following this, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has since provided legal backing for the probe team.
The legislative framework makes the team and its terms of reference legal after President Mnangagwa proclaimed the Commission in a Government Gazette on Friday.
Other members of the Comission include United Kingdom based international law expert Mr Rodney Dixon, former Commonwealth secretary general Emeka Anyaoku from Nigeria, former Tanzania People’s Defence Forces General Davis Mwamunyange, University of Zimbabwe lecturers Professors Lovemore Madhuku and Charity Manyeruke; and former Law Society of Zimbabwe president Vimbai Nyemba.
Addressing journalists at a media briefing yesterday afternoon, chairperson of the Commission Mr Motlanthe said his team had got down to business.
He appealed for cooperation from individuals and institutions.
“Following our swearing-in, we have today (yesterday) begun the work of the Commission. It is our intention to begin with public hearings in mid-October this year.
“Between now and then, we will be inviting and expect submissions from institutions and members of the public to reach the secretariat by not later than 12 October, 2018,” he said.
Mr Mohlante added, “I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of the Commission to call on all Zimbabweans to embrace and fully participate in the work of the Commission.
“It is our intention to interact with communities in Harare and outside,” he said.
The Commission, he promised, will listen to all views and discharge its duties in a professional and transparent manner.
“I once again reiterate that in doing our work and as per our mandate, we will listen to all the views from all sectors of the people of Zimbabwe on what transpired on that fateful day.
“We will do our work diligently, professionally and in a transparent manner without fear or favour. Ultimately, our goal is to assist the people of Zimbabwe find lasting unity, healing and reconciliation.”
President Mnangagwa’s proclamation in the Government Gazette is in line with Section 2 (1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act (Chapter 10:07) which provides that, “The President may, when he considers it advisable, by proclamation, appoint a commission of inquiry consisting of one or more commissioners.”
According to the gazette, the team is expected to compile a written report for the President within three months.
President Mnangagwa set up the team to investigate the violence that left about six people dead and many others injured in the skirmishes that also saw the destruction of property worth several thousands of dollars soon after the July elections.
The violent protests were alleged to have been triggered by the MDC-Alliance supporters who sought early announcement of Presidential election results in favour of their leader.
Reads part of Friday’s notice by President Mnangagwa: “Now, therefore, under and by the virtue of the powers vested in the President as afore said, I do, by this proclamation, direct that the terms of reference shall be as follows:
“To inquire into the circumstances leading to the 1st of August, 2018, post election violence; to identify the actors and their leaders, their motive and strategies employed in the protests.”
The inquiry will also look into the circumstances that necessitated the involvement of the military in assisting in the maintenance of law and order.
It will also consider whether the degree of force used was proportionate to the ensuing threat to public safety, law and order and ascertain the extent of damage or injury caused.
Mr Mohlante encouraged the people of Zimbabwe to use the Commission as part of the necessary building block towards a new Zimbabwe.
He dismissed assertions from some quarters that the inclusion of Professors Charity Manyeruke and Lovemore Madhuku as Commissioners will compromise the work of the team.
