Zimbabwean Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Tourism deputy minister Barbra Rwodzi allegedly insulted a police assistant inspector who had arrested a Zanu PF member in her Chirumanzu constituency.

Stephanie Kadzirange

The firebrand MP was allegedly recorded insulting the police officer who stood his ground and refused to be intimidated by the politician on why Zanu PF activists should not be prosecuted for violating the electoral law when he allegedly pulled down a Citizen Coalition for a Change campaign poster.

“The (police) ZRP has taken note of an audio circulating on social media concerning the incident involving some ZRP Charundura members allegedly with the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi. The case is now under investigation,” read a tweet from the police.

According to the leaked audio, Rwodzi allegedly threatened the Assistant Inspector who was daring to investigate a criminal case against one of her supporters.

In the audio recording the Rwodzi, who is seeking a second term in office, is heard threatening to deal with the Charandura stationed officer and promising to take the matter as high as Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga’s office.

Describing the officer as a dog, idiot, and fool, Rwodzi goes on to unsuccessfully demand all evidence against her supporter.

“You are the one handling Danger’s case? What is his crime? Do you have evidence, I want it and when did he commit this crime,” asked Rwodzi.

“I am following everything you are doing. I am not like all these other people you are used to talking to. You are failing to do your job as a police officer, on 12 July I was with him. As an Assistant Inspector and your seniors can you not sit and discuss matters before presenting them to Law and Order?

“You are a stupid idiot, you are a foolish idiot, a dog. I want to finish you, I want to take you as far as Matanga’s office.”

The Assistant Inspector however stood his ground, telling her she has no legal right to demand what she wanted from his office.

 “Danger is accused of tearing CCC posters. I am working on this docket so that I present it in court and do not know why I would give you all this information,” responded the officer.

“We have a witness and that he was not there on the day can be used as a defence in court. I do not understand what you say by ‘sitting down with my superiors before passing the matter to law and order.’

“I do not know why you are insulting me because I do not know how I am failing to do my job. You have to understand my mandate as a police officer.”

Chirumanzu is another one of Zimbabwe’s political hotbeds, with frequent attacks on opposition supporters recorded particularly towards elections.