CDF Refutes ZRP’s Account Of Events At Biti’s Law Offices

The Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) has dismissed a press statement issued by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) regarding events that took place on Thursday at Tendai Biti’s offices in Harare.

Biti, a former Finance Minister, is the convener of the CDF and a vocal opponent of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

In a statement released on Thursday, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police were not aware of any incident in which Biti’s driver was assaulted by unknown assailants.

Nyathi said Biti and his driver left the premises shortly before midday, with Biti reportedly engaging cordially with a police inspector at the scene, without any confrontation.

He added that officers deployed at the location did not witness anyone beating or assaulting Biti’s driver.

Nyathi said that if the alleged assault happened at another office where police were not present, Biti and his driver should make an official report so that investigations can be carried out.

However, in its response, the CDF insisted that the police statement was misleading and did not reflect what actually happened. It said:

“For the record, Hon. Tendai Biti left his offices driving himself, as his driver had already been assaulted earlier and taken to the hospital after being attacked by men driving unmarked vehicles.

“The driver and the woman he was with were assaulted well before Hon. Biti exited the premises.

“It is therefore factually incorrect and misleading for the police to suggest that the events occurred in the manner presented in their statement.”

The CDF said that as Biti left his office, he briefly stopped at the gate and firmly told the police officers present that he and the CDF would not bow to regime tactics meant to instil fear and intimidate citizens. It added:

“That brief moment cannot be described as a cordial engagement or discussion, as alleged by the police.

“Any exchange that may have occurred earlier was between the individuals driving the unmarked vehicles and others at the scene.

“The police are fully aware of the identities and conduct of those individuals.”

The CDF said that if police are serious about upholding the law, the proper course of action would be to investigate the alleged assault, identify those responsible, and hold them accountable, rather than issue statements that appear designed to obscure the facts. The group said:

“CDF has always maintained respect for the Zimbabwe Republic Police as a national institution tasked with protecting citizens and maintaining law and order.

“We therefore expect professionalism, impartiality, and commitment to the truth from the police in handling such serious incidents.

“Meanwhile, Hon. Biti’s driver sustained internal injuries during the assault and is currently receiving medical attention.

“Further medical examinations will be conducted to determine the full extent of the injuries.

“The truth must be told, and the safety of citizens must never be compromised for political expediency.”