In the period under review (01 – 20 April 2018), Heal Zimbabwe recorded a total of 44 human rights violations from 21 districts. The organisation recorded a total of four human rights violations categories. These include intimidation (with threats of violence or threats of withdrawal of food aid or agricultural inputs), forced contributions, assault and destruction of campaign material. Intimidation recorded the highest number of violations constituting 84.09% (37 cases), forced contributions recorded 9.09% (4 cases), Assault recorded 4.54% (2 cases) and destruction of campaign material recorded 2.27% (1 case each). The recorded human rights violations originated from the (i) ZANU PF restructuring exercise, (ii) the collection of BVR serial numbers, (iii) the Independence Day Celebrations and (iv) the ongoing MDC alliance rallies.
Heal Zimbabwe observed that intimidation continuously topped the list since the beginning of the year. In the period under review, 37 cases of intimidation were recorded, compared to 29 cases from the previous report. Intimidation continue to be used mostly by perpetrators as an avenue to garner and mobilise support for the ruling ZANU PF party. Threats of violence and withdrawal of food and agricultural inputs remain the major highlights of the intimidation. Heal Zimbabwe observed that victims in local communities succumb to these threats and usually end up giving in to the threats and demands of the perpetrators. Such a situation is in direct violation of Section 67 of the constitution that provides for political rights where every citizen has the right to form, join and participate in the activities of a political party of his or her own choice. Heal Zimbabwe further notes that intimidation results in a fearful society and thwarts efforts towards peace and social cohesion as the nation approaches the harmonised elections.
2.Distribution of Violations by District
The chart above shows distribution human rights violations across the districts. In this report, HZT recorded human rights violations in 21 districts compared to 17 districts in the previous report. Makoni recorded the highest number with 7 human rights violation cases, followed by Nyanga and Chipinge with 4 cases each. 11 districts that include Mudzi, UMP, Shamva, Chegutu, Gokwe South, Gokwe North, Mbire, Tsholotsho, Bikita, Zaka, Chiredzi and Gutu recorded the least number of violations with one case each. Heal Zimbabwe observed that Mt Darwin registered the highest number of cases in the previous report. This haphazard trend is largely attributed to the ongoing alliance rallies currently being conducted by the MDC alliance party.
The diagram above indicates the distribution of human rights violations across provinces. In the period under review, Heal Zimbabwe recorded a total of 44 human rights violations across 07 provinces compares to 31 human rights violations in 6 provinces in the last report. The provinces are Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Midlands and Mashonaland East. Manicaland recorded the highest number of cases with 18 cases. HZT predicts an increase in human rights violations in the coming weeks as political parties begin the process of candidate selection across the provinces.
The chart above indicates the allocation of perpetrators of the 44 human rights violations recorded in this report. A total of 56 human rights perpetrators (51 males and 5 females) were recorded in this report. The perpetrators were drawn from 7 categories that are ZANU PF, Traditional Leaders, Councillors, War veterans, Youth officers, Soldiers and Agritex officers.
ZANU PF leadership recorded the highest number of perpetrators with 59% (33 out of 56), largely ward chairpersons, and ordinary party members. Traditional leaders were second with 25% (14 perpetrators) followed by War veterans and Councillors which recorded 5% each (3 perpetrators). Agritex officers and soldiers recorded the least with 1.2% each (1 perpetrator). Victims varied from ordinary community members, opposition supporters and human rights activists.
4. Our Intervention on Human Rights Violations.
Heal Zimbabwe’s goal is to ensure that affected people have access to rapid response services such as legal services as well as pyscho-social support. Added to this, the organization also embraces the importance of community led processes in resolving and managing conflicts. Community structures established by Heal Zimbabwe in local communities document, report as well as facilitate for the organization to engage with perpetrators in a bid to reduce escalation of cases of human rights violations.
As a way of responding to the violations, the organization has been providing swift rapid response services to affected people in local communities. The smooth running of the organization’s 24hour situation room is made possible by the tireless community structures who have skills in conflict mediation, early warning and early response.
As part of its target advocacy initiative, Heal Zimbabwe utilizes the bottom- up approach to conflict where perpetrators at the local community level are engaged so as to establish facts as well as highlight the importance of peace and social cohesion. In Pfungwe ward 3, Heal Zimbabwe engaged ZANU PF chairperson, Darlington Karambakuwa who was leading a campaign of forcing community members to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips. Karambukuwa revealed that he was under pressure from the ZANU PF leadership in Murehwa who promised to dismiss him from the party if he failed to compile serial numbers of voter registration slips from his ward. Karambakuwa also highlighted that he was willing to stop the practice but pleaded that the organization was also supposed to engage ZANU PF to stop the practice since the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) had announced that it was illegal.
In Nyanga South ward 20, Heal Zimbabwe facilitated for Prosper Murambiza to report his case at Nyanga police station after he was assaulted by ZANU PF Chairperson Mishek Matsikira who accused him of mobilizing people for a rally that was held at Ruwange Business centre. Further to this, the organization also facilitated for Murambiza to receive medical services.
In Headlands ward 12, the organization also engaged ZANU PF District chairperson, Sebastian Timba who was threatening to deny food aid to people who fail to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips. Timba revealed that though he was aware that it is illegal to do so, he stated that he was afraid that he could lose his position as he had been suspended twice in the past for failing to implement directives from the ZANU PF Provincial leadership. HZT further facilitated for people affected to report their cases at Rusape police station though no arrest has been made to date.
In Gutu West ward 5, the organization also facilitated for Stanley Manguma to report his case at Gutu police station after he was assaulted by a soldier stationed at 42 Battalion barracks for mobilizing community members to attend a MDC Alliance rally on 13 April in Bikita. The organization also facilitated for Manguma to receive medical services.
In Makoni ward 16, HZT also engaged ZANU PF District chairperson, Jane Pfirwe who was threatening community members with violence if they failed to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips. Pfirwe revealed that war veteran Mike Zunde and Councillor Timothy Chingwende had threatened her with dismissal from ZANU PF if she failed to collect serial numbers of voter registration slips. Pfirwe further revealed that though she knew that it was an offence to force community members to submit serial numbers, she was afraid of what might befall her family if she defied the directive.
Heal Zimbabwe also engaged other implicated Traditional leaders and Councillors in areas such as Mbire, Headlands, Buhera, Nyanga, Makoni and Bikita. Generally, the Village heads highlighted that most of the directives came from the local ZANU PF leadership within their areas. Heal Zimbabwe implored the traditional leaders to uphold their constitutional duty of not violating fundamental human rights and freedoms of any person as enshrined in Section 281 of the constitution. Heal Zimbabwe has also facilitated for affected community members to report their cases to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC).
6. Conclusion
Heal Zimbabwe through its National Peace campaign will continue to campaign aggressively on the need for citizens to uphold peace before, during and after the 2018 elections. The organization has sent all cases to the ZEC and ZHRC for redress. The organization will continue to monitor human rights violations in political hotspots areas.
Annexure: Specific cases recorded:
Mashonaland Central Province
Bindura ward 11
On the 3rd of April 2018, Councillor Patrick Masango instructed Rose Nyampala, a ZANU PF member to embark on a door to door exercise forcing community members to submit their serial numbers to her. All those who refused were threatened with violence.
Mbire ward 9
Village head Kamanura on the 6th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a community meeting conducted in Nyakatondo village. The Village head highlighted that people who did not submit their voter registration slips will not receive food aid.
Bindura ward 6
ZANU PF member only identified as Gweva on the 4th of April 2018 intimidated community members at Trojan mine. Gweva highlighted that people who fail to submit serial numbers will not receive food aid.
Mazowe ward 1
ZANU PF District Chairperson Fasina Mubaira on the 8th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a community meeting conducted in Mubaira village. Mubaira also forced community members to submit serial numbers of their voter registration slips. Mubaira further highlighted that people who failed to submit their registration slips will not receive food aid and will be heavily beaten in the upcoming elections.
Mazowe ward 9
On 21 April 2018, Village head Lloyd Chikukwa intimidated community members during a community meeting conducted in Chikukwa village. He highlighted that people were supposed to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips if they wanted to continue receiving food aid.
Shamva ward 22
ZANU PF members including Peter Makamba and Sarudzai Shereni on the 18th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a meeting conducted in Wadzanai Township at ZANU PF offices. The two highlighted that people who fail to attend a ZANU PF meeting that was to be conducted on the 21st of April 2018 will be heavily beaten in the upcoming elections
Manicaland Province
Makoni ward 25
Headman Mudyarabikwa on the 6th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a meeting conducted at Mavhudzi Shopping Centre. The headman highlighted that people who fail to submit serial numbers of their voter registration slips will be beaten in the coming election.
Makoni ward 25
ZANU PF members who include Caribat Mudyanadzo and Kainos Mudyanadzo on the 6th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a meeting conducted in Mavhudzi village. The two highlighted that people who fail to submit serial numbers will be heavily beaten in the pending elections.
Makoni South ward 31
On the 4th of April 2018, ZANU PF chairperson, Onias Chikwava intimidated community members during a meeting conducted in village 8. Chikwava highlighted that people who fail to submit their voter registration slips will not receive food aid.
Nyanga ward 2
ZANU members Wendy Sabungu, Martin Njani and Courage Kudyamusuma, a youth officer on the 1st of April 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Avilla Shopping Centre. The three highlighted that people who fail to submit serial numbers of their voter registration slips will be heavily beaten in the upcoming elections.
Nyanga ward 2
ZANU PF ward Chairperson Shakemore Sauro and Joseph Muronza, a war veteran on the 4th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Avilla Business Centre. The two highlighted that people who fail to vote for ZANU PF will be heavily beaten.
Nyanga ward 5
ZANU PF supporter Charles Mbiriwiri on the 2nd of April 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Nyamahumba primary School. Mbiriwiri highlighted that people who fail to submit serial numbers of their voter registration slips will be considered “sell-outs” and heavily assaulted during the 2018 elections.
Buhera ward 32
On 2 April 2018, Solomon Mhongovovo, who is Village head Makuvise’s secretary intimidated community members in Makuvise village. Mhongovovo threatened to remove people from the food aid beneficiary list if they failed to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips.
Makoni ward 16
ZANU PF District Chairperson Jane Pfirwe on the 1st of April 2018 intimidated community members during a meeting conducted in Gunda village. Pfirwe instructed village heads who attended the meeting to compile serial numbers of voter registration slips in their villages. Pfirwe further highlighted that Village heads who fail to do so will be heavily beaten.
Makoni West ward 15
ZANU PF member, Jessica Bvekerwa on the 11th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a community meeting conducted at Jecha Business Centre. Bvekerwa highlighted that people should submit their voter registration slips or risk being beaten in the upcoming elections.
Makoni ward 32
A war veteran only identified as Sendekera on the 9th of April 2018 intimidated farm workers at Kamunda farm and Devos farm. Sendekera highlighted that every farm worker should submit serial numbers of voter registration slips and pointed out that those who fail to do so will not receive food aid.
Chipinge ward 5
ZANU PF District Secretary Daniel Chipakwe and ZANU PF District Chairperson Enia Nzati on the 1st of April 2018 intimidated community members during a meeting conducted in Mikiri village. The two forced community members to make $2 contributions per household towards Independence Day celebrations. The two further highlighted that people who fail to contribute towards the independence celebrations will not receive food aid in the future.
Chipinge ward 5
ZANU PF supporter Dust Dengedenge on the 20th of April 2018 destroyed campaign material belonging to opposition party, MDC Alliance in Miki village. Dengedenge moved around defacing posters and announced that only ZANU PF has the right to campaign freely in the ward.
Buhera ward 5
On 5 April 2018, ZANU PF ward chairperson Mugove Magunda and ZANU PF Youth Chairperson Forward Sadhi intimidated community members who had come to receive maize from the Ministry of Social welfare at Jaggers Business centre. The two started chanting ZANU PF slogans during the maize distribution exercise and told people that if they failed to chant similar slogans, they were going to be denied food aid.
Nyanga South ward 20
On the 19th of April 2018, ZANU PF Vice chairperson, Mishek Matsikira assaulted MDC-T ward chairperson, Prosper Murambiza, accusing him of mobilizing people to attend a MDC Alliance rally that was conducted at Ruwange Business centre on 22 April 2018. Matsikira also stopped Murambidza from distributing campaign fliers to people.
Headlands ward 12
On 20 April 2018, ZANU PF District chairperson, Sebastian Timba moved around the ward forcing people to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips. Timba also announced that people who fail to do so will not receive food aid.
Chipinge South ward 27
On 20 April 2018, war veteran Lazarus Ndlovu who is also ZANU PF ward chairperson moved around the ward forcing people to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips.
Buhera South Ward 33
On 15 April 2018, Brandy Takunda, former personal driver for Buhera South Legislator, Joseph Chinotimba threatened vendors at Birchenough Bridge Green market with violence accusing them of supporting opposition party, MDC Alliance. Takunda further warned that if the vendors continue to support MDC Alliance, they will be evicted from the vending markets.
Mashonaland West Province
Mhondoro ward 3
On 14 April 2018, ZANU PF District Chairperson Tapiwa Samasuwo intimidated and forced community members to contribute towards Independence Day Commemorations during a community meeting conducted at Musinani Business Centre. Samasuwo highlighted that every household should contribute $1 towards the Independence Day celebrations and pointed out that people who fail to pay the money will not receive food aid.
Mhondoro Mubaira ward 4
On 15 April 2018, ZANU PF members Lawrence Kufakunesu, Edmore Zhandire, Rambo Zhandire and aspiring Councillor Gift Kwembeya threatened people at Mubaira Growth point with violence if ZANU PF loses the 2018 elections.
Hurungwe West ward 24
On 15 April 2018, ZANU PF chairperson Cuthbert Mufumburi deployed youths who moved around the ward forcing people to pay $1 as contributions towards the Independence Day commemorations. Mufumbiri also announced that people who fail to make contributions towards the event would be denied food aid.
Hurungwe North ward 9
On the 6th of April 2018, Village head Chingoma addressed a meeting at his homestead and forced community members to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips.
Chegutu East ward 16
On 12 April 2018, ZANU PF member, Taona Rubiki moved around the ward forcing people to pay $1 towards Independence Day Commemorations. Rubiki also announced that people who fail to pay the money were not going to receive food aid.
Midlands Province
Mberengwa ward 35
Unidentified ZANU PF supporters on the 7th of April 2018 moved around the ward threatening people with violence if they vote for opposition party, MDC Alliance in the 2018 elections.
Mvuma ward 12
ZANU PF youth Chairperson Dhuzhai on the 12th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted in the ward. Dhuzhai highlighted that people who did not submit their voter serial numbers will not receive agricultural inputs.
Mvuma ward 12
Agricultural extension officer, Godfrey Chiwawa intimidated community members during a community meeting conducted on the 11th of April 2018 in the ward. Chiwawa highlighted that community members who fail to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips will not receive cattle and poultry projects under the Government Command Agriculture.
Gokwe ward 34
Village head Fadious Kadozora on the 10th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a meeting conducted in Makayi village. The Village head highlighted that people in the village should vote for ZANU PF or risk being beaten in the upcoming elections.
Gokwe South ward 33
On the 15th of April, Doubt Mangwiro threatened people in the ward with violence if ZANU PF fails to win the 2018 elections. Mangwiro further embarked on a door to door exercise forcing community members to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips.
Masvingo Province
Bikita ward 15
Councillor Ishmael Kanjera on the 4th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Museti Primary School. He ordered village heads to compile names of all opposition supporters in the ward. Councillor Kanjera further highlighted that those who refuse to submit serial numbers of their registration slips will be denied food aid.
Bikita Ward 15
Village heads Runesu Mudzinganyama, Tobias Zangairai, Jakopo Chigaba, Julias Chikovo, Chihwe Manyumbu and Francis Mapuranga on the 9th of April 2018 intimidated community members in the ward. The village heads moved around the ward demanding serial numbers and compiling names of those who refused to submit their serial numbers.
Zaka ward 19
Village head Kudzai Siyawareva on the 15th of April 2018 intimidated community members during a community meeting conducted in Siyawareva village. He highlighted that every household should contribute $0.20 towards Independence Day celebrations. The Village head further highlighted that people who defied the order will be fined a goat and shall also be forced to brew beer for the chief.
Chiredzi Ward 4
On the 7th of April 2018, Councillor Francis Moyo addressed a meeting at Musikawematanda ward centre and forced people to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips.
Gutu west ward 5
On 13 April 2018, Stanley Manguma was assaulted by a soldier only identified as Kwarimbo from 42 Battalion barracks. On the day in question, Manguma was on his way to Bikita where he wanted to attend a MDC Alliance rally. It is then that Kwarimbo who was in the company of several soldiers confronted Manguma accusing him of supporting opposition party, MDC Alliance. Kwarimbo then started assaulting Manguma while constantly reminding him that the country was being run by soldiers. Manguma sustained several injuries and was admitted for 2 days at Gutu hospital. The matter was reported at Gutu Police station but no arrests have been made to date.
Mashonaland East Province
Mudzi north ward 9
On the 3rd of April 2018, ZANU PF District chairperson, Smart Kamwanza moved around the ward demanding serial numbers of voter registration slips from community members. Kamwanza also announced that people who fail to submit serial numbers were going to be denied food aid.
Pfungwe ward 3
On 20 April 2018, ZANU PF chairperson Darlington Karambakuwa addressed a meeting at Magudu Primary school and forced community members to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips. Karambakuwa also highlighted that people who fail to submit serial numbers will not receive food aid.
Matabeleland North
Tsholotsho North ward 3
ZANU PF member Joe Sibanda, on 21 April 2018, moved around the ward forcing community members to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips. Sibanda is an aspiring Councillor for ward 3.
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