Strategies adopted by Zanu-PF to retain power are always multi-faceted. The main tool in their arsenal is to ramp up the violence and build a climate of fear. In addition, members of "opposition" parties are having to face continuous legal harassment resulting from trumped-up cases against them. Marches and demonstrations are being banned or blocked by the police, even when approved by the courts. Commentators believe that the violence and harassment is designed to intimidate the electorate prior to elections planned for next year.
During October, a total of 67 media articles were recorded for Zimbabwe Inclusive Government Watch. Among these articles, the greatest number of violations related to violence, intimidation, hate speech and abductions.((45% of total). 22% of the articles related to violations in the form of legal harassment of opposition politicians and perceived supporters involving legal cases.Denial of the right to freedom of assembly and association comprised six articles (9% of total), while violations of the GPA related to land followed (6% of total).
We have compiled ten articles at the end of this report to represent the month's media coverage of events in relation to the GPA. The ZIG Watch section of the Sokwanele website carries additional information about further breaches in this issue, as well as a comprehensive archive of breaches for previous issues (please visit http://www.sokwanele.com/zigwatch for further information).
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The first article illustrating breaches of the terms of the GPA in the form of violence, intimidation, hate speech, threats, abductions and brutality reports on the case of a diamond dealer who told a court that state security agents tortured him until he passed out. This, he explained, was part of an elaborate, trumped-up plot to make him confess to working with MDC-99 leader Job Sikhala in shady Marange diamond deals. The state accused Sikhala of kidnapping Mapurisa Tonderai Kuzipa, an illegal diamond dealer. Prosecutors claimed that Sikhala gave Kuzipa money to buy diamonds and alleged that he did not supply the precious stones. However, Kuzipa collapsed the state's case when he denied ever having any dealings with Sikhala, or receiving any money, and then went on to relate the torture to which he had been subjected.
There were reports in October on the trauma faced by low-income stall holders at Harare's Mupedzanhamo market who believed correctly that the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act did not apply to them. To their dismay, these entrepreneurs were told they were wrong by groups of youths [believed to be Zanu-PF Chipangano thugs] who invaded the market, brandishing letters allegedly authorising ejection of any trader believed to be opposed to the black empowerment programme. "They accused stall holders of belonging to MDC, (supposedly opposed to indigenisation), saying we should leave Mupedzanhamo. Hundreds of MDC supporters have been booted out," said a stall holder on 14 October.
To clarify the situation, the Indigenisation Act requires only medium to large local white-owned, or foreign-owned companies to relinquish 51% of their shares or interests to indigenous Zimbabweans. It only applies to foreign-owned businesses worth more than US$500.000 nett value.
Intimidation and vocal disruptions by Zanu-PF elements of public hearings on the Electoral Amendment Bill in October forced the parliamentary committee to compromise quality for security. The committee resorted to calling for written submissions only, to protect contributors. The decision to cancel hearings in at least three districts was reached after Zanu-PF thugs made it impossible for people to contribute freely in public, thus curtailing the right of ordinary Zimbabweans to freedom of speech. In the Masvingo and Marondera districts over the week of 17 October, groups of Zanu-PF members repeatedly disturbed proceedings whenever suspected MDC supporters were expressing their views. People were also verbally threatened.
The MDC-T MP for Bulawayo South, Eddie Cross, fell victim to a disgraceful incident of violence and intimidation when he was subjected to death threats from suspected CIO members in response to revelations he made during Parliament about corruption at the Chiadzwa diamond fields. Cross had tabled a motion calling for nationalisation of the diamond mines to control rampant theft. He had then detailed the situation at Chiadzwa where only a fraction of diamond profits are being seen by the State, with senior members of Government, Zanu-PF and the armed forces involved in the exploitation. Cross's motion was adopted on 27 October. After the session he was threatened by a Zanu-PF member, with more threats following over several days, becoming more abusive and threatening his life.
In another incident of violence and intimidation, on 30 October, over 100 Zanu-PF youths were bussed in to interrupt a rally in the Hatcliffe constituency that the co Home Affairs Minister, Theresa Makone, who had written clearance from the police, was due to address. MDC-T supporters retaliated and Zanu-PF's Chipangano gang members dispersed in all directions. Only then did police intervene, firing teargas and rubber bullets at MDC-T supporters, injuring several people. "… MDC people were defending themselves but ended up on the receiving end of police brutality," said Emmanuel Chiroto, an MDC-T councillor. This incident is recorded as a breach of the GPA for both the MDC-T and Zanu PF party.
In a case demonstrating harassment of perceived opposition politicians and supporters via the courts, Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu appeared in court in Bulawayo on 6 October, but were remanded to 12 December as most prosecutors were still on strike. This case also highlighted the abuse of those detained for "political" reasons in Zimbabwean jails. WOZA members arrested alongside Williams and Mahlangu at the 21 September Peace Day Protest filed a complaint against riot squad officers. The ten complained that officers who beat and arrested them also used highly offensive language on all protestors.
In a different case of legal harassment, we give special mention to MDC-T youth leader Solomon Madzore, the subject of several media articles this month. He was arrested on 3 October and faced charges believed to be trumped-up of murdering police inspector Petros Mutedza in Glen View in May. The State insisted that Madzore had been "on the run" for the last five months. His lawyers applied for bail on 12 October, but the application was postponed for two days. On Friday 14, it was again postponed to Monday 17 after the State prosecutor said he was not ready and thereafter it was again postponed.
Widespread arrests of MDC-T officials and supporters in Matabeleland North, which began with the visit by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on 20 October, continued during the week. A dozen or more people were detained, with many being denied their constitutional rights. They formed part of a general crackdown on the MDC-T countrywide. The Prime Minister had fierce run-ins with the police and several MDC-T district organisers were rounded up for hosting their leader. This took place in pre-dawn raids on the homes of Thembinkosi Sibindi, Matabeleland North provincial organising secretary, and the Hwange West district chairperson, Bernard Nyamambi, by police armed with search warrants for "subversive materials".
Denial of the right to freedom of assembly continued, with police in Lupane blocking an MDC-T rally on 29 October, despite a court order allowing it to take place. Thirty five armed police officers in riot gear besieged the venue at St Paul's and disrupted proceedings. The officers ordered kitchen staff and MDC-T members to evacuate the venue. Police also blocked Tsvangirai's tour of St Paul's Mission Hospital. Tsvangirai was on a government work programme visit to Matabeleland North Province. On Thursday 27, he was in Tsholotsho to assess the business situation in the region before going to Binga and Lupane.
Finally, an article dated 14 October reviews several breaches of the land clause in the GPA. Despite the GPA's calls for accountability and for the restoration of full productivity on all agricultural land, formally white-owned citrus farms that used to generate significant foreign currency for the country, as well as providing oranges for local beverage companies, are lying idle. A survey indicates that Zanu-PF politicians who grabbed the most productive citrus farms in the Chegutu district from their commercial owners have deserted them after disposing of valuable equipment.
On Lionsvale farm, grabbed by former deputy minister Bright Matonga, orange trees are dying from lack of attention. Most of the equipment stolen by Matonga is no longer operational. At Stockdale Estates, grabbed by Senate President Edna Madzongwe's son, the farm was abandoned after the equipment had been sold. Hippovale farm, grabbed by Zimpapers journalist Emilia Zindi, is also being underutilised. Zindi and her sons are accused of vandalising and stealing farm equipment.
CIO, cops tortured me to confess – Kuzipa Zimbabwean, The (ZW): 05/10/2011
State security agents tortured a diamond dealer until he passed out to make him confess to working with MDC-99 leader Job Sikhala in shady Marange diamond deals, a magistrate's court heard on Friday. The state accuses Sikhala, the leader of a breakaway MDC faction, of kidnapping diamond dealer Mapurisa Tonderai Kuzipa in what the MDC-99 leader says is a trumped-up charge. Prosecutors claim Sikhala gave Kuzipa money to buy diamonds, but he allegedly did not supply the precious stones. Kuzipa denied ever having any dealings with Sikhala or receiving any money. He further told the court that police and intelligence operatives tortured him until he lost consciousness to force him into making a confession implicating Sikhala.
- ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT
- ARTICLE VII : PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY
- ARTICLE XIII : STATE ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS
- ARTICLE XVIII : SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE
ZIMBABWE – Some are more indigenous than others IRIN (UN): 14/10/2011
Stallholders at Mupedzanhamo market on the outskirts of Harare thought they were immune to the 2008 Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act, which requires large businesses such as banks and mining companies to relinquish at least 51 percent of their shares or interests to indigenous Zimbabweans. They were wrong. Recently groups of youths have descended on the market, brandishing letters allegedly authorising them to eject any trader they believe is opposed to the black empowerment programme. "They accused me and other stallholders of belonging to MDC, which they said is opposed to indigenisation, and said we should stop doing business at Mupedzanhamo. Hundreds of MDC supporters have been booted out this year," said a stallholder.
- ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT
- ARTICLE III : RESTORATION OF ECONOMIC STABILITY AND GROWTH
- ARTICLE VII : PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY
- ARTICLE XI : RULE OF LAW, RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER LAWS
- ARTICLE XVIII : SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE
Electoral Amendment hearings suspended due to ZPF violence SW Radio Africa (ZW): 20/10/2011
Intimidation and vocal disruptions by Zanu-PF elements during public hearings on the Electoral Amendment Bill have forced the parliamentary committee to call for written submissions only, in order to protect contributors. A decision to cancel public hearings in at least three districts was reached after Zanu-PF thugs caused chaos, making it impossible for people to make contributions freely. In Masvingo on Wednesday, a group of mostly of Zanu-PF women repeatedly broke into song whenever suspected MDC supporters were expressing their views. On Monday in Marondera, hearings at Nehanda Hall were cancelled after Zanu-PF supporters prevented anyone suspected to be MDC from contributing by chanting slogans and singing songs. People were also verbally threatened.
- ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT
- ARTICLE VII : PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY
- ARTICLE VIII : RESPECT FOR NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND EVENTS
- ARTICLE XI : RULE OF LAW, RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER LAWS
- ARTICLE XVIII : SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE
MDC-T MP threatened by CIO over diamond revelations SW Radio Africa (ZW): 31/10/2011
MDC-T MP for Bulawayo South, Eddie Cross, has faced serious threats from suspected CIO members, in the wake of revelations he made during parliament about corruption at Chiadzwa diamond fields. Cross earlier this month tabled a motion in Parliament calling for the diamond mines to be nationalised to control rampant theft, then detailed the situation at Chiadzwa where only a fraction of profits are being seen by the State. Senior members of Government, Zanu-PF and the armed forces were said to be involved in the exploitation. Cross's motion was adopted last week Thursday. After the session he was threatened by a Zanu-PF member, with more threats over several days becoming more abusive and threatening his life.
- ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT
- ARTICLE III : RESTORATION OF ECONOMIC STABILITY AND GROWTH
- ARTICLE VII : PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY
- ARTICLE XI : RULE OF LAW, RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER LAWS
- ARTICLE XIII : STATE ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS
- ARTICLE XVIII : SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE
Pandemonium as MDC-T and Zanu-PF supporters clash SW Radio Africa (ZW): 31/10/2011
Police had to fire teargas and rubber bullets during clashes between MDC-T and Zanu-PF supporters in Hatcliffe, a constituency held by co-Home Affairs Minister Theresa Makone's constituency. Police intervened after supporters of the MDC-T defended their right to assemble as they sent Zanu-PF's Chipangano gang members scurrying in all directions. Over 100 Zanu-PF youths were bussed in to interrupt a rally that was to be addressed by Makone, who had clearance in writing from police to hold the rally. Police fired teargas and rubber bullets and several people were injured in the melee. ‘… MDC people were defending themselves but ended up on the receiving end of police brutality,' said Emmanuel Chiroto, an MDC-T councillor.
- ARTICLE VII : PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY
- ARTICLE X : FREE POLITICAL ACTIVITY
- ARTICLE XI : RULE OF LAW, RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER LAWS
- ARTICLE XII : FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION
- ARTICLE XIII : STATE ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS
- ARTICLE XVIII : SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE
Williams, Mahlangu appear in court
Sokwanele.com: 07/10/2011
WOZA leaders Jennifer Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu appeared in Court in Bulawayo 6th, but were remanded to 12 December (most prosecutors being on strike). Members arrested alongside Williams and Mahlangu at the 21 September Peace Day protest filed a complaint against Riot squad officers on that day. The ten complained that officers who beat and arrested them used foul language on all protestors.
- ARTICLE VII : PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY
- ARTICLE XIII : STATE ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS
- ARTICLE XVIII : SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE
Madzore's bail judgment set for Thursday SW Radio Africa (ZW): 18/10/2011
MDC-T youth leader Solomon Madzore will have to wait until Thursday to find out if he will be set free from custody on murder charges. Madzore was arrested two weeks ago and is facing trumped-up charges of murdering police inspector Petros Mutedza in Glen View, back in May. The bail application by Madzore was first postponed from last week Wednesday to Friday. On Friday it was postponed to Monday after the State prosecutor said he was not ready. On Monday Justice Hlekani Mwayera postponed the ruling to Tuesday, saying she needed time to review the state's response. On Tuesday it was decided that judgment will be delivered on Thursday.
- ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT
- ARTICLE VII : PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY
- ARTICLE XIII : STATE ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS
Mass arrests of MDC activists in Matebeleland Zimbabwean, The (ZW): 30/10/2011
The attacks on MDC supporters in Matabeleland North, which began with the visit by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Thursday last week, have continued this week, with widespread arrests. A dozen or more people have been detained, with many denied their rights to be charged or released, or to have access to a lawyer. They are part of the general crackdown on the MDC countrywide. The PM had fierce run-ins with the police and several MDC district organisers were rounded up for hosting the MDC leader. Police armed with search warrants for subversive materials carried out a pre-dawn raid on the homes of Thembinkosi Sibindi, Matabeleland North provincial organising secretary and Hwange West district chairperson, Bernard Nyamambi.
- ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT
- ARTICLE VII : PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY
- ARTICLE X : FREE POLITICAL ACTIVITY
- ARTICLE XII : FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION
- ARTICLE XIII : STATE ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS
Zimbabwe police disrupt MDC-T rally in Lupane
Bulawayo24 News: 29/10/2011
Police in Lupane have blocked an MDC-T rally despite a court order allowing for it to take place. 35 police officers all in riot gear and carrying guns besieged the venue at St Paul's and disrupted proceedings. The officers ordered the women who were preparing food to evacuate the place and dismissed 968 members who were already at the venue.. Police also blocked Morgan Tsvangirai's tour of St Paul's Mission Hospital. Tsvangirai is on a government work programme visit to Matabeleland North Province. On Thursday, he was in Tsholotsho to assess the business situation in the region before going to Binga and Lupane.
- ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT
- ARTICLE VII : PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY
- ARTICLE X : FREE POLITICAL ACTIVITY
- ARTICLE XII : FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION
- ARTICLE XIII : STATE ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS
Citrus farms lie idle as land grabbers give up Zimbabwean, The (ZW): 14/10/2011
Citrus farms that used to generate foreign currency for the country as well as providing oranges for local beverage companies are lying idle. A survey conducted indicates that Zanu-PF politicians who grabbed the most productive citrus farms in Chegutu from their commercial owners have deserted them after disposing of valuable equipment. On Lionsvale farm, grabbed by former deputy minister Bright Matonga, orange trees are dying from lack of attention. Most of the equipment grabbed by Matonga is grounded. The story is the same at Stockdale Estates, which was grabbed by Senate President Edna Madzongwe's son. Madzongwe abandoned the farm after selling the equipment. Hippovale farm, grabbed by Zimpapers journalist Emilia Zindi, is also being underutilised.
- ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT
- ARTICLE III : RESTORATION OF ECONOMIC STABILITY AND GROWTH
- ARTICLE V: LAND QUESTION
- ARTICLE XI : RULE OF LAW, RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER LAWS
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