Case File Highlights
Abductions, torture and assaults surged in the month to unprecedented levels since January. These
violations were largely targeted at mainly MDC party members, human rights activists and even comedians by
alleged state security agents. One case that was widely reported is that of Tatenda Mombeyarara, a
Coordinator with Citizens Manifesto, who was abducted on 13 August and severely assaulted then left for
dead in a bushy area in Hatfield. Mombeyarara was tortured while being interrogated about a workshop he
attended in Maldives in early May 2019. He sustained a broken leg, fractured hand and bruises, while a
caustic liquid was poured on him. Mombeyarara was one of the seven Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) who
were arrested in May for attending a workshop organised by the Centre for Applied Non-Violent Action and
Strategies (CANVAS) in Maldives.
MDC activists were largely targeted for organising demonstrations in the month of August. In one incident
MDC Ward 1 Chairperson of Chitungwiza St. Mary’s Constituency Gerald Fokisa’s home was besieged by
unknown assailants who attempted to abduct him on 14 August. The assailants broke the front door and
destroyed a side window in an attempt to abduct Fokisa but eventually failed. So widespread have been the
abductions and assaults that anyone critical of government risks being in the dragnet. Comedian Samantha
Kureya, popularly known as ‘Gonyeti’ was abducted from her home in Mufakose on 21 August. Kureya was
abducted at night by assailants who assaulted, tortured and dumped her in Crowborough, Kuwadzana. Her
colleague, Sharon Chideu (aka Maggi) narrowly escaped abduction as she had been warned to move to safety.
Chideu has also received death threats for her work.
Abductions had another dimension, where ZPP received reports that after police dispersed protestors in Harare
on 16 August, a group of unidentified individuals abducted and took them to Zimbabwe African National
Union Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) offices. A 32-year-old man was abducted from Mbuya Nehanda Street at
around midday, as well as a couple who were going about their business in the city. The victims were taken to
Zanu PF offices where, together with about a dozen other citizens, were beaten using logs, baton sticks, open
hands and fists. Some victims were allegedly given knives and catapults before being handed over to the
police at Harare Central Police Station and accused of demonstrating against government.