In addressing the matter, Chairperson Mrs. Anne Makori noted that the first responders are obliged to “obtain all information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the incident. On completion of the investigations, where the fault is found, the Authority shall make recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution.”
Among other steps, the investigators would collect evidence by interviewing the survivors, eyewitnesses, and police officers involved including their commanders, attend post-mortem examinations and obtain the pathologists’ reports, as well as seek ballistic examination reports.
IPOA assured the public that the investigation would be independent, impartial, and fair.
According to IPOA, the investigation is informed by Section 7 of the IPOA Act which dictates that deaths and injuries occasioned by actions of the police be investigated by the Authority.
The four died from gun wounds amid a standoff between GSU officers and Masimba residents on June 2; other residents were also injured as the police unit was quelling residents who were protesting over the unresolved human-wildlife conflict in the area.
