February 2019
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
National Dialogue Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches
(ZCC) saw a cross section of stakeholders participating in a national prayer breakfast
meeting in Harare. Led by the Church the prayer meeting sought to bring together
leaders of political parties, civil society organizations and various stakeholders in a bid
to agree on a broad based approach in addressing current pressing socio-economic and
political issues affecting the nation. Although this engagement was well attended by a
wide range of stakeholders in government, President Emmerson Mnangagwa did not
attend and his speech was read by Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri.
Practices displayed by both political leaders indicate that they have not drawn common
interests and remain positional and resolute in how the dialogue should happen.
Monetary Policy Statement introduction of the RTGS method of payment as a
currency was received with mixed emotions from the business and citizens front.
August House Altercations: There was use of inflammatory language and violation to
the right to human dignity following verbal altercations recorded in parliament between
Norton Legislator Themba Mliswa and Chegutu West legislator Dexter Nduna. The two
legislators clashed in parliament resulting in Nduna during his rant mentioning that he
had a killed a number of people some of whom he did not even know. This happened
after Mliswa accused Nduna the former chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio
committee on Transport of embezzling $11 million from the Zimbabwe National Roads
Administration (ZINARA). In response to being described as a thief by Mliswa, Nduna
issued threats of unspecified action and that he would deal with Mliswa outside
parliament.
By–elections here and there: Matabeleland rural constituencies conducted byelections for Ward Councillors in Matobo and Beitbridge. In the two by-elections Zanu
PF won. Although the elections were conducted peacefully there was low voter turn –
out.
In Binga a Chief is reported to have advised village heads to ban community meetings
by those perceived to be MDC-Alliance supporters. The chief has also resumed food
aid distribution on partisan grounds. In Masvingo Province, some villagers met, for a
discussion on general issues affecting the community with the main focus on child
rights. The revival of terror bases or torture bases has been ongoing in Mazowe Central.
These bases are surveillance platforms which have been introduced to target
government critics, opposition activists and civil servants identified speaking against
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