President Mnangagwa swore in the members of the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission (ZICC) yesterday, aiming to promote transparency and accountability in the country’s security services.
The ZICC will be led by former High Court judge Justice Webster Nicholas Chinamora, along with members Ms. Elizabeth Rutsate, Mr. Andrew Mataruse, and Mr. Oliver Mandipaka. Their job is to handle complaints from the public about misconduct by security forces, including the police, army, intelligence services, and prison services.
Justice Chinamora explained that the commission is not meant to take over the work of courts or other existing commissions. They will focus on new complaints and will let the courts or other bodies handle cases that are already being addressed elsewhere.
He emphasized the importance of treating all complaints fairly and impartially, and stated that the commission will investigate the complaints and make recommendations, including referring cases to the appropriate organizations or courts when necessary.
The ZICC was created to ensure accountability among security services and to regulate how complaints are managed, as outlined in the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission Act. This act details the commission’s responsibilities and operations.
