Holding the Police to Account

Abstract

Whilst there are various mechanisms to curb incidents of police abuse of power, legal control provides one of the most effective ways of enhancing police accountability. Though enforcement of the legal instruments may be a challenge, the mere presence of the legal instruments may provide a fertile ground for other accountability measures. This chapter, which is largely based on literature and documentary survey, explores the legal instruments of accountability in the Republic of Zimbabwe. The chapter specifically focuses on the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act. The chapter begins by giving an overview of the international and regional legal framework before discussing the national legal framework for police accountability.