National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Saturday confirmed that police in Victoria Falls are investigating a case where four junior officers, who were visibly drunk, went berserk in the resort town on Friday evening, assaulting residents and leaving two injured and hospitalised.
The assaults took place at the houses facing Mukali Business Centre at about 8 pm on Friday. The police officers fled after residents threatened to beat them up. Said Nyathi:
We are investigating with a view to identify the officers involved and find out what transpired. We want to establish how and why they went to that house because they were not on duty. Correct facts will only come out after the investigations.
Meanwhile, the Victoria Falls Combined Residents’ Association (Vifacora) released a statement condemning the acts of the police officers.
The statement, issued by Vicafora chairman Morgen Dube read in part:
Four off-duty police officers yesterday (Friday) evening decided to abuse their office and went on a spree of beating up residents in their homes.
They were spotted drinking alcohol around Mkhosana during the day while on duty and upon finishing work decided not to go home but went around still in their uniforms assaulting residents.
As residents we condemn this kind of behaviour from police who are entrusted to protect the society and ensure people abide by the law…