Govt official defends windscreen smashing

HARARE – The Permanent Secretary for the Home Affairs Ministry Melusi Matshiya on Monday defended the smashing of kombi windscreens for errant drivers by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, saying there was need to apply proportionate force on defiant motorists. 

Giving oral evidence before a Public Accounts Committee chaired by Mufakose MP Ms Paurina Gwanyanya Mpariwa (MDC-T), Mr Matshiya said there was nothing peculiar about the imposition of spot fines as Zinara and ZBC inspectors were also doing the same in their blitz to enforce payment of licences.

MP’s had raised concern over why police smashed windscreens as that had the effect of endangering the lives of passengers, including babies.

“While it is not the intention of the police to smash windscreens, it is now an issue of causality. How are they smashed? Who has created that situation? I have witnessed a situation where a police officer in proper uniform stops a vehicle, the driver just flashes and he says if you remain there you are gone,” Matshiya said.

He said the Constitution allowed the police to use proportionate force when confronted with situations that threaten their lives.

The policy, said Mr Matshiya, was that the officer concerned would have to submit a detailed report on what prompted  him to smash the windscreen.

“We have had situations where police officers have died, some hospitalised, dragged for 20 metres … so there is need to balance. If someone creates a situation that is hazardous he cannot expect compensation from the police,” he said.

He said even Zinara had to use spikes to contain errant motorists.

“We have situations where a firearm can be used to stop vehicles because we have had a situation where someone comes in at high speed, we have had to shoot the wheel. Unfortunately it is hazardous,” he said.