1.0 Summary of Violations.
In this report dating from 06 – 31 May 2018, Heal Zimbabwe recorded a total of 55 human rights violations from a total of 19 districts. The recorded human rights violations fall under five categories which are: intimidation, forced participation in political gatherings, assault, partisan distribution of food aid and agricultural inputs and disruption of political gatherings. In this report, intimidation registered the most violations with 85.18% (46 cases) followed by forced participation in political gatherings and assault which recorded 5.55% (3 cases) each. Disruption of political gatherings and partisan distribution of food aid and inputs recorded the least number of violations with 1.85% each (1 case). The recorded human rights violations originated from (i) MDC consensus and primary elections (ii) ZANU PF meetings, (iii) MDC alliance rallies and (iv) BVR serial number collection.
In this report, Heal Zimbabwe observed that cases of intimidation are on the rise as the nation approaches the general elections which will be conducted on the 30th of July 2018. Intimidation remain the major violation recording the highest number of human rights violations. A total of 46 human rights cases linked to intimidation were recorded in this report compared to 19 cases in the previous report. Perpetrators of the recorded cases continuously use intimidation as a way of silencing opposition activities and hindering community members from freely exercising their rights as enshrined in the constitution. Intimidation takes three formats that include (i) threats of past electoral violence, (ii) threats that violence will be unleashed by soldiers and (iii) the usual threat of withdrawal of food and agricultural inputs. Victims are largely opposition supporters and ordinary community members who end up giving in to the demands of perpetrators due to fear of further revictimisation. Traditional leaders continue to be implicated in the recorded human rights violations in spite of the court ruling of 14 May 2018 which prohibited them from engaging in partisan politics. Heal Zimbabwe notes that such malpractices are a direct violation of section 67 of the constitution which guarantees citizens the right to freely join or participate in political activities of their choice without being victimised. Heal Zimbabwe calls for peace and tolerance and notes that intimidation leads to a fearful society and hinder efforts towards peace, social cohesion and free participation in democratic processes.
2.0 Nature of Violations recorded.
2.1 Distribution of Violations by District.
The above graph indicates the districts where human rights violations were recorded. Heal Zimbabwe recorded a total of 54 human rights violations from 19 districts compared to 12 districts in the previous report. Bikita district recorded the highest number of human rights cases for the second time in a row with a record high of 11 cases followed by Buhera with 7 cases. The high numbers in these areas is largely attributed to the recent political activities in the areas which include the ZANU PF rallies, meetings and the disgruntlement over the conduct of the recent MDC-T primary elections.
2.2 Distribution of Human Rights Violations.
2.3. Distribution of Violations by Province.
The diagram above depicts the distribution of human rights violations across provinces. Heal Zimbabwe recorded a total of 54 human rights violations from 7 provinces compare to 25 cases recorded from 5 provinces in the previous report. Heal Zimbabwe observed that the highest number of human rights violations was recorded in Masvingo province occupying 29.6% closely followed by Manicaland province with 27.7%. Mashonaland Central province and Midlands provinces recorded 18.5% and 14.8% respectively. Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East both recorded 5.55% whilst Matabeleland South recorded the least with 1.85%. Heal Zimbabwe predicts an increase in the number of human rights violations as political parties intensify their campaigns especially with the recent announcement of the election date by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
2.4 Distribution of perpetrators.
The chart above chart indicates the implicated human rights perpetrators of the recorded 54 human rights violations. Heal Zimbabwe recorded a total of 80 perpetrators (78 males and 2 females). The perpetrators fall under six categories that are ZANU PF leadership, MDC leadership, traditional leaders, Councillors, a member of the President’s office and an official from Cotton Company of Zimbabwe.
ZANU PF leadership continuously top the list with 47% (38 out of 80), largely ward chairpersons, and ordinary party members. Traditional leaders were second recording 18,2%. It is unfortunate that 17 traditional leaders committed human rights violations after the court ruling of 14 May 2018 which prohibited traditional leaders from participating in political activities. Heal Zimbabwe perceive their involvement as a direct defiance and violation of the recent court ruling and section 281 of the constitution. Opposition MDC leaders and supporters were also implicated as perpetrators recording 15%. Disgruntled opposition members ended up committing human right violations over the imposition of candidates in their respective constituencies and wards. Councillors recorded 10.13% (10 perpetrators). CIO and a cottco officials recorded the least with 1.1%. Soldiers recorded the least with 1% (1 perpetrator). Victims varied from community members, opposition supporters and farmers.
3.0 Our Interventions.
Heal Zimbabwe has intensified its campaign on the need for peaceful 2018 elections. The organization has done this through its target initiatives that is aimed at encouraging duty bearers, political stakeholders and other key stakeholders on the need to uphold and preach peace ahead of the 2018 elections. As part of this key initiative, the organization has engaged key stakeholders particularly from political parties after reports of intimidation and violence during party primary elections.
Added to this, as part of its National Peace campaign, dubbed: #13MilVoices4Peace, which seeks to raise public awareness on the need for peaceful coexistence, tolerance and participation in the upcoming 2018 elections, the organization has since commenced engaging local communities on the need to uphold peace. The organisation has also intensified its awareness raising to Traditional leaders emphasising the need to shun partisan politics and join the crusade of campaigning for peace.
In Gutu West ward 28, the organization engaged ZANU PF youths who were intimidating community members for attending opposition party rallies. The youths expressed desire on the need to promote peace and acknowledged that prevalence of peace ahead of elections was key. In Buhera North ward 7, Heal Zimbabwe engaged Precious Munemo, the ZANU PF Vice Chairperson who was threatening community members with violence if they failed to vote for ZANU PF in the 2018 elections. HZT stressed the importance of peace and underscored the need for political tolerance and peace ahead of elections. In Norton ward 6, the organisation mediated in a dispute of intra-party violence recorded during a MDC-T primary election in the area. To date, the parties in the conflict have settled an out of court settlement, paid hospital bills for a member who sustained injuries and have offered public apologies.
The organization successfully engaged all perpetrators of human rights violations and emphasized the need for peace. Heal Zimbabwe also engaged other implicated Traditional leaders and Councillors in areas such as Mbire, Bikita, Buhera, Nyanga, Mt Darwin and Muzarabani. 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).
4.0 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 especially in political hotspots areas.
Annexure: Specific cases recorded:
Manicaland Province
Nyanga ward 2
ZANU PF member, Tapiwa Muromowenyoka on the 21st of May 2018 intimidated village heads during a rally conducted at Avilla Business Centre. Muromowenyoka announced that village heads who failed to attend ZANU PF rallies in the future will be considered “sell outs” and will be dethroned before the upcoming elections.
Nyanga ward 5
Shingirai Masunungure a ZANU PF member and village head Christopher Chifodya on the 21st of May 2018 intimidated opposition supporters in Chifodya village. Masunungure highlighted that all opposition supporters will be heavily beaten in the coming elections and shall also be evicted from the area. Village head Chifodya also told people in the village that he was going to evict all opposition party supporters from the village if ZANU PF loses the 2018 elections.
Nyanga ward 11
On 11 May 2018, ZANU PF District Chairperson, Chenai Chidamoyo and village head Misheck Dirorimwe denied opposition party supporters food aid during a food distribution meeting at Magarati Business Centre. On the day in question, only ZANU PF supporters received maize from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare while several opposition party supporters were openly told by the two that they were not going to receive food aid. This was despite the fact that several opposition party supporters at the meeting were registered beneficiaries.
Chimanimani ward 4
ZANU PF District Secretary, Obert Gwishiri on the 26th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Nhedziwa Primary School. Gwishiri highlighted that people must submit serial numbers of voter registration slips and further announced that those who fail to submit serial numbers will be assaulted.
Buhera North ward 7
On 21 May 2018, Precious Munemo, a ZANU PF Vice Chairperson member moved around the ward threatening people with violence if they vote for opposition party, MDC Alliance. Munemo further warned that ZANU PF was going to unleash violence if it loses the 2018 elections.
Buhera ward 10
Councillor Garikai Marowa on the 15th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a maize distribution exercise at Hande Primary School. Councillor Marowa highlighted that people who fail to attend ZANU PF meetings every Friday will not receive maize from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
Buhera ward 10
ZANU PF District Political Commissar, Christopher Machokoto and Councillor Garikai Marowa on the 25th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted in Karimba village. Machokoto and Councillor Marowa highlighted that opposition supporters will be heavily beaten if ZANU PF loses the 2018 elections. The two further highlighted that they compiled all the names of MDC supporters who attended the MDC Alliance rally conducted at Murambinda Growth Point on 12 May 2018.
Buhera ward 10
A ZANU PF Provincial member only identified as Mrs Hungwe on the 27th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Gaza Business Centre. Hungwe highlighted that community members must vote for ZANU PF in the upcoming elections and urged Village heads at the meeting that they should not allow opposition party, MDC Alliance to conduct campaign rallies in their villages. Hungwe further warned that opposition supporters will be beaten in the upcoming elections.
Buhera ward 28
On 18 May 2018, ZANU PF members, Nyika Matenga and Edmore Masuka intimidated community members in Matengarunde village. The two embarked on a door to door campaign threatening people with violence if they vote for opposition party, MDC Alliance in the 2018 elections.
Buhera ward 28
Patrick Mutinhidzo a neighbourhood police officer, Loveness Mlambo and Robert Mlambo (ZANU PF members) on the 21st of May 2018 intimidated community members in Matengarunde village. The three told people that all known opposition supporters will be evicted from the village.
Buhera Ward 29
On 14 May 2018, ZANU PF Chairperson Faith Chipadza intimidated opposition party supporters at Chabata Business Centre. Chipadza highlighted that opposition party activities were not tolerated and that all opposition supporters will be heavily beaten before the 2018 elections.
Makoni ward 14
On 27 May 2018, violence broke out during MDC Alliance primary elections held at Mkwini ward centre. MDC Alliance aspiring candidates, Weber Chinyadza and Godfrey Govha exchanged blows accusing each other of busing people from outside the ward. One party supporter, Angela Muswere from ward 15 was heavily assaulted after being accused of trying to rig the elections. In the end, the primary election failed to take place. The matter is yet to be reported to the police.
Mutasa ward 26
Madison Kazemba and Kojark Mandiringana, both war veterans, on the 28th of May 2018 intimidated community members in Muchena village. The two ordered community members to submit serial numbers of their voter registration slips and further highlighted that people who refused to submit will not receive food aid.
Mutasa Ward 26
On 21 May 2018, ZANU PF District Vice Chairman Shame Chibate, Madison Razemba and Kojark Mandiringana (both war veterans) intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted in Magute village. Chibate highlighted that people who refused to submit serial numbers of their voter registration slips will not receive Government sponsored food aid.
Mutare ward 33
Councillor Ronald Mushakavanhu on the 14th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Eagle Training Centre in Vumba. Councillor Mushakavanhu highlighted that opposition party supporters will be heavily beaten in the coming elections.
Masvingo Province
Bikita ward 6
On 26 May 2018, ZANU PF aspiring Councillor, Morgan Charuma conducted a meeting in Chimunhu village and announced that people were going to be assaulted by soldiers if they vote for opposition party, MDC Alliance. Charuma also announced that he has also started compiling names of all known opposition party members in the ward.
Bikita ward 7
On 24 May 2018, ZANU PF Political Commissar, Engelbert Rugeje addressed a meeting at Baradzanwa shopping centre and announced that anyone who fail to vote “wisely” in the area will be assaulted by soldiers. General Rugeje also announced that soldiers will not respect the outcome of elections if opposition party, MDC Alliance wins the 2018 elections.
Bikita ward 9
On 15 May 2018, ZANU PF member, Stanslous Chinorebwani Masuka intimidated community members in Mhike village. Masuka highlighted that opposition party supporters will be heavily beaten by soldiers in the upcoming elections.
Bikita ward 15
Merence Mufari a retired soldier on the 21st of May 2018 intimidated community members in Chizema village. Mufari highlighted that opposition party supporters were going to be evicted from the ward. He further highlighted that soldiers will be deployed to beat all known opposition party supporters in the ward after elections.
Bikita ward 12
MDC Alliance supporters loyal to Pikirai Gutuza (MDC Alliance aspiring MP) on the 13th of May 2018 disrupted a primary election and assaulted other supporters at Nyika Growth Point. The violence started after some supporters claimed that fellow candidate, Kudakwashe Bhadharai was imposed and not allowed to go through a normal primary election process. The seat is part of the seats reserved by MDC-T for the youth quota system. The failure to conduct primary elections infuriated some party supporters leading to the outbreak of violence.
Bikita ward 15
Councillor Ishmael Kanjera on the 24th of May 2018 intimidated community members at Silveira Business Centre. Councillor Kanjera highlighted that opposition party supporters will be heavily beaten in the upcoming elections.
Bikita ward 20
On 20 May 2018, Councillor Martin Ziwacha, village head Nechirorwe, Marwirane Zinamo and ZANU PF District Chairperson Liliosa Kasvova forced community members to attend a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Chirorwe ward centre. Councillor Ziwacha highlighted that people who fail to attend the meetings will be “dealt with” after the elections.
Bikita ward 25
ZANU PF ward Youth Chairperson, Panganai Madondo on the 20th of May 2018 intimidated opposition supporters in village 1, Deveru resettlement area. Madondo highlighted that opposition party supporters will be heavily beaten during the 2018 elections if they fail to vote for ZANU PF.
Bikita ward 25
ZANU PF District Chairperson Marko Chamunorwa on the 28th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted in village 16. Chamunorwa highlighted that opposition party supporters will be heavily beaten by soldiers in the upcoming elections.
Gutu ward 1
On 19 May 2018, Councillor David Mudziwapasi intimidated community members during a community meeting conducted in Shashe village. Councillor Mudziwapasi highlighted that names of all known opposition party supporters will be compiled and submitted to ZANU PF offices in Gutu Mupandawana Growth Point.
Gutu ward 1
ZANU PF supporters, Stephen Munjanja and Stanley Chitondo on the 26th of May 2018 intimidated community members in Shashe village. The two embarked on a door to door exercise and forced community members to submit serial numbers of voter registration slips and compiled names of people who failed to submit their voter registration slips.
Gutu ward 2
ZANU PF District Chairperson, Patrick Potsiwa on the 17th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a meeting conducted at Chiguhune Business Centre. Potsiwa ordered village heads to compile names of opposition supporters in their villages. Potsiwa highlighted that the list will be used after the elections to determine community members who would have voted for opposition party, MDC Alliance.
Gutu South ward 28
On 24 May 2018, ZANU PF members, Munevenyu Mudowa, Pesanai Kwava and Opi Chigogogo compiled names of people who were attending a MDC Alliance meeting at Chimedza shopping centre. On 25 May 2018, the three ZANU PF members conducted a door to door exercise threatening people who attended the MDC Alliance meeting with violence. The three also announced that they have also submitted the names to the ZANU PF District office in Gutu.
Gutu ward 29
ZANU PF District Chairperson, Tanaya Hwichi and Stephen Mudyahoto on the 17th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Mushaviri Business Centre. The two highlighted that they compiled names of MDC Alliance supporters who attended a rally on the 13th of May 2018 at Mushaviri Business Centre. They further highlighted that all the MDC Alliance supporters will be heavily beaten after the elections.
Mashonaland East Province
Mutoko South ward 10
ZANU PF Chairperson, Happyson Gwenambira and Councillor Titus Mabvuta on the 13th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting at Kanyongo Business Centre. The two threatened that ZANU PF will unleash violence similar to that experienced in the 2008 elections if it loses the 2018 elections.
Mutoko ward 20
ZANU PF District chairperson only identified as Dhliwayo on the 26th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Mutoko Business Centre. Dhliwayo highlighted that people must vote for ZANU PF in the upcoming elections and further revealed that opposition party supporters will be heavily assaulted during the 2018 elections.
Mashonaland Central Province
Mt Darwin ward 2
On 18 May 2018, Village head Bete went on a door to door campaign intimidating people. The Village head announced that MDC-T members will be assaulted if ZANU PF loses the 2018 elections.
Mt Darwin ward 5
On the 18th of May 2018, Village head Kaibos Dzabaya announced during a meeting at Ramuzemba ward centre that community members were supposed to vote for ZANU PF in the elections. Village head Dzabaya also highlighted that the 2008 political violence must always remind people to vote wisely in the elections.
Muzarabani ward 10
Village head Zerere on the 19th of May 2018 intimidated community members during at meeting conducted in Jingura village. Village head Zerere highlighted that community members must attend the ZANU PF meetings and warned that those who fail to attend the meetings will be evicted from the village.
Muzarabani ward 27
Village head, Philip Gore Ndove on the 20th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a meeting at Mashaya Primary School. The village head highlighted that people who fail to attend ZANU PF meetings will be heavily assaulted before the elections.
Mbire ward 17
A Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (CCZ) representative only identified as Mutoya on the 18th of May 2018 intimidated farmers. Mutoya highlighted during a meeting in the ward that farmers should only sell their cotton at CCZ and warned that those who fail to do will be labelled opposition supporters. Mutoya also announced such farmers will be heavily assaulted before the elections.
Guruve ward 6
On 17 May 2018, a Central Intelligence Officer (CIO) only identified as Charamba who is stationed at Guruve District office intimidated National Patriotic Front (NPF) members at Guruve growth point. Charamba further warned NPF members to stop campaigning in the ward and threatened them with arrest.
Mazowe ward 11
Village heads who include Manomano, Mandaza, Nyamukonda, Nhamburo, Motsi and Musiiwa on the 23rd of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted in the ward. The village heads highlighted that everyone in the area must vote for ZANU PF in the upcoming elections. The village heads further highlighted that violence similar to the one experienced in the 2008 runoff will be unleashed on community members if ZANU PF loses the 2018 elections. The village heads further forced community members at the meeting to chant ZANU PF slogans.
Mazowe ward 12
Councillor Brighton Muzhira and Saul Mujongodi on the 22nd of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Gweshe Secondary School. The two announced that all known opposition supporters will be heavily beaten in the upcoming elections.
Midlands Province
Gokwe ward 12
On 19 May 2018, Headman Mazvimbakupa intimidated community members during a meeting conducted at Zambezi Primary School. The headman ordered village heads and community members to vote for ZANU PF or risk being beaten in the upcoming elections.
Gokwe ward 33
Village head Nduna Ngidhi on the 18th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a community meeting conducted in Nduna village. The village head highlighted that community members should vote for ZANU PF in the 2018 elections.
Gokwe South ward 13
ZANU PF Youth Chairperson, Paul Kanyai accompanied by an unidentified ZANU PF member, on the 24th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a sports tournament conducted at Zambezi Primary School. Kanyai highlighted that opposition supporters are “sell-outs” and will be heavily assaulted after the 2018 elections.
Gokwe South ward 13
Chief Nemangwe, Headman Mazvimbakupa, Councillor Willard Pasura and aspiring councillor Georgina Chirongoma on the 27th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Zambezi Business Centre. The four highlighted that community members must vote for ZANU PF in the upcoming elections and that opposition party supporters will be heavily assaulted in the 2018 elections.
Mberengwa ward 22
ZANU PF member Charles Moyo and ZANU PF District Secretary Ephraim Mapirimira on the 9th of May 2018 denied opposition supporters food aid at Ngurasha Business Centre. The two highlighted that opposition party supporters were not going to receive maize from the Ministry of labour and Social Welfare.
Mberengwa ward 27
Jairos Shumba, a ZANU PF member on the 13th of May 2018 intimidated community members during a ZANU PF meeting conducted at Makwava Primary School. Shumba highlighted that opposition party supporters will be heavily beaten if ZANU PF loses the 2018 elections.
Mberengwa ward 27
On the 23rd of May 2018, ZANU PF ward chairperson, Allison Hlatsheni moved around the ward announcing that if ZANU PF loses the 2018 elections, he was going to spearhead a terror campaign on opposition party supporters. Hlatsheni also announced that he had since commenced compiling names of known opposition parties in the ward.
Chirumhanzu Zibagwe ward 19
Village head Adonai Mucheuki on the 17th of May 2018 intimidated community members in Manyora village. The village head ordered community members to submit serial numbers of their voter registration slips highlighting that all those who fail to submit will not receive food aid.
Mashonaland West Province
Chegutu ward 17
Councillor Michael Marecha and ZANU PF Youth Chairperson Innocent Gota on the 19th May 2018 intimidated community members during a meeting conducted at Msengezi farmers’ hall. The two highlighted that opposition supporters will be evicted from the area and further warned that all known opposition supporters will be heavily beaten in the upcoming elections.
Norton ward 6
On 26 May 2018, violence broke out during a MDC Alliance primary election that was conducted at Councillor Precious Mupahore homestead. Christopher Kanganga, a MDC Alliance member was attacked by party youths who accused him of sympathising with Councillor Kanganga and trying to manipulate the outcome of the elections. The matter was reported at Norton police station and no arrests have been made to date.
Matabeleland South Province
Insiza North ward 16
On 24 May 2018, Village head Winani Dube forced community members to attend a ZANU PF rally that was conducted in Filabusi. Village head Dube told people that those who fail to attend future ZANU PF rallies will be evicted from the village.
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