Soldiers opened fire to disperse protesters in Harare
The tragic events were a result of clashes between the ZRP and members of the public, including opposition political party supporters who were protesting the perceived delay in the release of the results of the Presidential Election. Reports indicated that the ZRP were in control of the situation when military vehicles were observed driving into the central business district. Gunshots were fired randomly throughout the central business district. Forum observers witnessed soldiers randomly firing live bullets and beating up bystanders who were not involved in the protest. The military’s conduct fell short of internationally accepted standards in controlling protesting crowds.
The Forum recalls that the current government came into power through a military coup in November 2017 and is yet to prove that it can make use of state power within the bounds of the law and that it values respect for human rights. Yesterday’s events leave ordinary citizens with serious doubts that this government is any different from its predecessor, if not worse.
While the Forum does not tolerate violent protests, the reaction of the State in maintaining law and order was grossly disproportionate to the violence that it sought to contain, to the extent of killing unarmed civilians.
The Forum reiterates that the right to demonstrate and to present petitions is a fundamental human right guaranteed by Section 59 of the Constitution. However, the Forum underscores that this right must be exercised peacefully, paying due regard to the rights of others.
The Forum notes that this is not an isolated incident of brutality by the military. As recently as 24 July 2018, military personnel stationed at Inkomo Barracks heavily assaulted a civilian in Chinhoyi and he suffered severe head injuries. Similar attacks have been reported since 17 November 2017 military coup.
It is not acceptable that the people of Zimbabwe must be made to choose between freedom and security. The Government of Zimbabwe must give a full account of what happened and ensure justice for victims and their families.
The Forum therefore calls for:
- An immediate investigation into the deployment of the military on 1 August 2018.
- The specific military personnel who killed unarmed civilians to be held accountable for their actions.
- The State to reach out to the families affected and provide compensation and any assistance they may need.
- All leaders of political parties to act responsibly and avoid inciting the public to commit violence, rather using dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Citizens to act responsibly when exercising their democratic right to protest.
The Forum Chairperson: +263772276542
The Executive Director: +263772151988
Forum members
• Amnesty International (Zimbabwe)
• Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe
• Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe
• Justice for Children Trust
• Legal Resources Foundation
• Media Institute of Southern Africa
• Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe
• Research and Advocacy Unit
• Transparency International (Zimbabwe)
• VERITAS
• Women of Zimbabwe Arise
Zimbabwe Association for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Offender
• Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights
• Zimbabwe Civic Education Trust
• Zimbabwe Human Rights Association
• Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
• Zimbabwe Peace Project
• Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association