1) Both Zim laws & int. human rights laws binding on Gvt of Zim are elaborate on State use of lethal force & how it relates to the fundamental right to life. It’s not matter of political opinion but binding law. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @adv_fulcrum @nelsonchamisa @peterndoro

2) The general rule is by virtue of right to life guaranteed in ZimConst, Articles 4 & 6 of African Charter & ICCPR binding on @edmnangagwa’s GVT that prohibit extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @peterndoro @Sophie_Mokoena @ProfJNMoyo

3) Because in terms of above provisions on right to life that stipulates that human beings are INVIOLABLE, there’re VERY STRICT circumstances in wch State agents are permitted to use lethal force. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @Sophie_Mokoena @peterndoro @adv_fulcrum @nickmangwana

4) The State obligation is to protect life than take it. In terms of this int. law PROTECT LIFE PRINCIPLE, State agents may ONLY take life to protect another life. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @peterndoro @adv_fulcrum @Sophie_Mokoena @nickmangwana @ProfJNMoyo @PedzisaiRuhanya

5) To comply with the PROTECT LIFE principle in use of lethal force, person MUST: a) pose a threat to the life of another. b) The threat posed MUST be IMMINENT. c) MUST be no lesser means to neutralise threat. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @peterndoro @Sophie_Mokoena @nickmangwana

6) Courts have interpreted what is meant by IMMINENT threat. An imminent threat that justifies use of lethal force must be “IMMEDIATE leaving no moment of deliberation” but to kill. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @nickmangwana @Sophie_Mokoena @peterndoro @adv_fulcrum @ProfJNMoyo

7) In terms of the PROTECT LIFE principle, State agents MUSTN’T use lethal force in revenge, merely because person is armed or that they committed a violent crime. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @Sophie_Mokoena @nickmangwana @peterndoro @PedzisaiRuhanya @adv_fulcrum @ProfJNMoyo

8) Where State agents have used lethal force, the law DEMANDS that the State promptly investigate & make PUBLIC DISCLOSURE on full details & EVIDENCE as to why lethal force was used. Bald assertions are INSUFFICIENT. @Wamagaisa @nickmangwana @peterndoro @ibbosnr @ProfJNMoyo

9) In the present case, there is STRONG public opinion & circumstantial evidence that State agents may have used lethal force as a show of force & in revenge. The obligation is on the State to PROVE otherwise. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @nickmangwana @Sophie_Mokoena @ProfJNMoyo

10) In cases like this, independent forensic evidence is NEEDED for the sake of transparency. The Gvt of @edmnangagwa should also invest & start using body cameras for law enforcement officials. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @Sophie_Mokoena @peterndoro @PedzisaiRuhanya @adv_fulcrum

11) Finally, the Gvt of @edmnangagwa has an obligation to respect the RIGHT to dignity as provided for in ZimConst. & African Charter. The right to dignity extends to the right to posthumous bodily integrity. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @Sophie_Mokoena @nickmangwana @peterndoro

12) While we’re yet to know full details on the use of lethal force in this case, the manner in which State agents handled the bodies of the deceased is a CLEAR violation of the right to dignity. @Wamagaisa @advocatemahere @peterndoro @Sophie_Mokoena @ProfJNMoyo @nickmangwana