HARARE, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday expressed shock at the harassment and beating of civilians by Zimbabwean security agents and ordered the arrest of those involved.
Reacting to a SkyNews report on the beatings and harassment, Mnangagwa said said on Twitter that the ill-treatment "was not the Zimbabwean way."
The report showed Zimbabwean state security agents beating a handcuffed man they had arrested in one of Harare's suburbs.
The president's comment came after the ministers of home affairs and justice at the weekend said government would investigate allegations of misconduct by security forces, including abuse of citizens during demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this month.
Rights organizations have alleged that members of Zimbabwe's security forces have tortured, beaten, harassed and sexually abused citizens during and after the demonstrations held in protest against the increase in price of fuel.
The violent demonstrations resulted in the death of at least six people, looting of shops and widespread destruction of property. Some 700 people have been arrested countrywide in connection with the violence.
Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema said the government took seriously reports of alleged rape, sexual abuse and assault allegedly committed by members of the uniformed forces.
