HOLDING THE ZIMBABWE POLICE TO ACCOUNT: THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT

Ishmael Mugari and Adewale A. Olutola*
1 & 2 Department of Safety and Security Management, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
*Corresponding author: olutolaaa@tut.ac.za

Abstract
Parliamentary accountability has been long regarded as the bedrock of good governance in democratic systems. In most jurisdictions, Parliament has an oversight role over most state institutions, including the police. This paper explores the role played by Parliament and its effectiveness as a police oversight institution in Zimbabwe. Primary data was obtained from 126 respondents who were purposefully selected from institutions of police accountability in Zimbabwe. Secondary data was also obtained from relevant constitutional and statutory provisions. Enactment of laws which curtail police abuse of power, control through Portfolio Committees and the question and answer session were regarded as the prominent roles of Parliament on police oversight. Majority of the respondents considered Parliament to be somewhat effective in holding police to account and a weak opposition in Parliament was considered to be militating against Parliament’s effectiveness.

Keywords: Police accountability, parliamentary oversight