Zanu (PF) blasted over Epworth violence

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) said Zanu (PF) militants had attacked peaceful MDC-T supporters holding a meeting on the constitution.

The state-controlled media in Zimbabwe was quick to lay the blame for the massive violence on the MDC-T. However, investigations by the Forum have now pointed to a new campaign of violence by President Robert Mugabe’s party.

“The Forum unreservedly condemns in the strongest of terms the violence that erupted in Epworth on Sunday 21 February 2010. The violence erupted in Epworth’s Wards 4, 6 and 7 at an MDC-T organized rally on the constitutional making process. It is alleged that Zanu (PF) youth militia attacked MDC-T supporters who had gathered for the rally. The militia is reported to have used a variety of weaponry during the attack.

“Reported incidences point to a new wave of inter-party violence resulting largely from the bickering within the GNU. Epworth victims were assaulted, beaten and some had their houses and property destroyed. This was followed by allegations that Zanu (PF) supporters were also attacked and some seriously injured by suspected MDC-T supporters at a firewood project on the same day.

“The Forum expresses its disappointment at the continued existence of militia bases and the alleged reopening of such bases in Epworth and other parts of the country. In the past such bases have been used to organize, direct and execute violence against known or perceived opponents of Zanu (PF). The Forum therefore calls for the dismantling of these and torture bases. We urge the responsible authorities to quickly put a stop to political violence and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“In Article 18 of the Global Political Agreement (GPA), the parties recognized that “violence dehumanizes and engenders feelings of hatred and polarization.” The reported violence undermines the ongoing efforts on nation building and in particular, national healing and reconciliation. The Forum implores the parties to the GPA to promote the values and practices of tolerance, to do everything to stop and prevent all forms of political violence and to take positive measures to ensure compliance with the provisions of the GPA,” a representative from the Forum said.

Members of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum include Amnesty International (Zimbabwe), Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (Zimbabwe), Justice for Children Trust, Legal Resources Foundation, Media Institute of Southern Africa (Zimbabwe), Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwe, Women of Zimbabwe Arise, Zimbabwe Human Rights Association, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights, Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association and Zimbabwe Peace Project.