Opposition leader Herbert Chamuka has condemned the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for interrupting his address in Gweru, where he was removed from a public political event.
Officers reportedly disrupted his speech during an Inclusive Government Agenda (IGA) launch on February 28 and escorted him away under unclear circumstances.
Speaking during a virtual interview from South Africa, Chamuka warned that such actions risk undermining democratic engagement while also calling for a more coordinated and powerful national security system.
“I condemn what happened in Gweru. Such actions show a serious lack of understanding of what we are trying to build as a nation,” Chamuka said.
He added: “At times, the actions we are seeing from the police do not help the country move forward.
“We need a security system that protects the nation and allows progressive ideas to grow.”
Chamuka, who leads the People’s Unity Party (PUP), said his IGA initiative is aimed at bringing together political players, civil society, churches and state institutions to push for national development and economic recovery.
“We wish to see a united and formidable security system in Zimbabwe.
“The police, the army and intelligence services must work together as one strong force that protects the country and its people,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with international systems, Chamuka said:
“We want our system to be as strong as Mossad of Israel, GRU of Russia, MSS of China and ISI of Pakistan.”
He added that Zimbabwe should build resilience comparable to Iran, “so that it can defend itself from powerful forces like the United States, Israel and other superpowers.”
However, analysts warned that strengthening security institutions must be balanced with protecting civil liberties, cautioning that excessive state power could undermine democratic processes.
Chamuka said his vision is about unity and self-reliance.
“We must build a Zimbabwe that can stand on its own, protect its people and secure its future. Unity is the starting point,” he said.
