UNDERSTANDING THE ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT COMPLAINTS COMMISSION (ICC)

1. Introduction

It is essential for the government to provide an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the state security services and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct as stated by section 210 of the Zimbabwean constitution. Regardless of any position that one holds, no one should be above the law. Zimbabwe’s history is littered with cases of extreme use of violence by members of the state security, creating an impression that security forces can engage in any misconduct with impunity. Therefore, there is need for the government to intervene and protect the public from any harm caused perpetrated by the state security agents by enabling effective and independent complaints mechanisms.