Artisanal miners continued conflicts
The conflict between citizens and different groups of artisanal miners also known as Mashurugwi, MaGokwe and
MaNdevere will possibly escalate as people are sinking further into desperation and will do anything to eke out a
living. This might result in more deaths of innocent civilians who may be caught between the clashes of rival
gangs. This is also worsened by the lack of meaningful and sound interventions by law enforcement agencies to
curb these abuses committed by gangs of artisanal miners. Consequently, community members end up taking the
law into their hands. The fact that the artisanal miners brag they are untouchables is also a worrying trend that
could mean the police might fail to deal with the menace.
Legal
More court challenges might arise given the High Court ruling on the illegality of the 2% tax governed by SI
205/2018. Questions arising around the citizenry are based on whether to expect any positive change following
the High Court ruling. Citizens are concerned by the statement issued on 18 September 2019 by the Minister of
Finance and Economic Development, Prof Mthuli Ncube that the judgment will not affect anything and the tax
collection will continue. This development is more likely to trigger discontent and lawsuits against the government
concerning the collection of 2% Intermediate Money Transfer tax. ZPP will continue to monitor the developments
in relation to the rights of Zimbabweans.
UN Rapporteur preliminary report
The UN Special Rapporteur report on the human rights situation in Zimbabwe is likely to trigger a witch-hunt
exercise by the state of people who were met with the Rapporteur during his mission to Zimbabwe. This is likely
to increase state surveillance on independent institutions, civil society and other citizens who provided testimonies
to the UN representative. There could be increased insecurity amongst citizens who interacted with the special
Rapporteur.
Civil Action
At the recently held MDC-Alliance 20th Anniversary the party president announced that they will no longer be
consulting the police when planning for demonstrations. This will possibly lead to violent clashes between
demonstrators and the police. It is also possible that some groups will hide behind the guise of the MDC-Alliance
to conduct violent demonstrations. In the coming period there is likely to be an increase in civil action as the
economy continues to deteriorate.