Tinotenda Hove – Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart has publicly challenged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to provide progress on investigations into the assault and robbery incident in which he was attacked and allegedly stripped of his cellphone and glasses.

The incident occurred on 31 March 2026 at the Harare City Sports Centre during a parliamentary public hearing on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. Witnesses said Coltart was assaulted by suspected ZANU-PF supporters while leaving the venue.

ZANU-PF officials Luckmore Gapa and Nicholas Hamadziripi have been named as the alleged attackers.

Earlier this week, the ZRP dismissed as fake a circulating statement claiming police were unable to arrest the two men because of their alleged links to powerful political figures.
In an official response, police said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has not issued any official press statement regarding updates on the alleged assailants of Douglas Coltart.”

The police also warned members of the public against relying on fabricated statements being circulated online.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard any circulating statements purporting to be from the ZRP, as some individuals are deliberately spreading false and misleading information using fake ZRP press releases,” the statement read.

Police added that investigations were underway to identify those behind the fake communications.

“The public is urged to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information. The law will take its course against anyone found responsible for publishing or circulating false information, regardless of where those individuals are located.”

Coltart responded sharply on X, accusing authorities of failing to act despite what he described as clear video evidence of the attack and theft.

“While you are discussing my case [Zimbabwe Republic Police], please could you update the nation on how far with your investigation of ZANU PF Central Committee member Luckmore Gapa and Nicholas Hamadziripi, who were caught red-handed on camera assaulting and robbing me of my phone,” wrote Coltart.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart also weighed in on the matter, questioning why no arrests had yet been made.

“The question I have is when will the law take its course against the person known to have stolen Doug Coltart’s cellphone?” he said.
“Why is it that despite clear photographic and video evidence of the crime and the criminal being made available, the criminal responsible for the theft has neither been arrested nor arraigned in court?”