The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into alleged cases of police misconduct and human rights violations reported during the June 25 anniversary protests held in various parts of the country.
In a statement, the authority said it is probing allegations of excessive use of force, unlawful arrests and detentions, physical assaults, abductions, enforced disappearances, and claims that some police officers concealed their identities while policing the demonstrations.
IPOA noted that it had deployed monitoring teams to observe police conduct during the protests and has since received complaints from members of the public. Investigators are now recording statements from victims and witnesses, reviewing video footage, and collecting other evidence to determine whether any officers acted unlawfully.
The oversight body has appealed to members of the public with relevant information, photographs, or videos to assist with the ongoing investigations.
The June 25 demonstrations marked the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests and were held in several towns across the country under heightened security. The protests attracted large crowds, with police mounting extensive security operations in major urban centres.
The outcome of IPOA's investigations is expected to inform any recommendations for disciplinary action or criminal prosecution against officers found culpable, as calls for accountability over the handling of public demonstrations continue to grow.
In a statement, the authority said it is probing allegations of excessive use of force, unlawful arrests and detentions, physical assaults, abductions, enforced disappearances, and claims that some police officers concealed their identities while policing the demonstrations.
IPOA noted that it had deployed monitoring teams to observe police conduct during the protests and has since received complaints from members of the public. Investigators are now recording statements from victims and witnesses, reviewing video footage, and collecting other evidence to determine whether any officers acted unlawfully.
The oversight body has appealed to members of the public with relevant information, photographs, or videos to assist with the ongoing investigations.
The June 25 demonstrations marked the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests and were held in several towns across the country under heightened security. The protests attracted large crowds, with police mounting extensive security operations in major urban centres.
The outcome of IPOA's investigations is expected to inform any recommendations for disciplinary action or criminal prosecution against officers found culpable, as calls for accountability over the handling of public demonstrations continue to grow.
