Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa promised on Tuesday to investigate violence against civilians who joined protests and punish any misconduct by security forces, as the country’s rights commission said civilians were being systematically tortured. Police say three people died during violent demonstrations last week, but human rights groups say evidence suggests at least a dozen were killed, giving rise to fears that – under Mnangagwa’s leadership – Zimbabwe is sliding back into authoritarian rule. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) said on Tuesday security forces instigated systematic torture of residents following the violent unrest that erupted last week after a steep hike in the price of fuel. The level of force used on those who died or injured and supported by medical reports pointed to police brutality, a ZHRC commissioner told reporters. In his first public comments since cutting short a foreign trip and returning to Harare late on Monday, the president said “violence or misconduct by our security forces is unacceptable and a betrayal of the new Zimbabwe.” “Misconduct will be investigated. If required, heads will roll,” Mnangagwa wrote on Twitter on Tuesday, calling for a “national dialogue” involving churches, civil society and the opposition. The unrest drove Mnangagwa to cancel an appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he had been expected to pitch for foreign investments, and fly home. Hundreds of civilians, including activist pastor Evan Mawarire and opposition lawmakers, have been detained since demonstrations that were triggered nine days ago by 150 percent hikes in price of fuel decreed by Mnangagwa. He said on Tuesday that that increase had been necessary. Published in Daily Times, January 23rd 2019.