METHODOLOGY
This report is based on reports from ZPP long-term community based human rights monitors who
observe, monitor and record cases of human rights violations in the constituencies they reside. ZPP
deploys a total of 420 community-based primary peace monitors (two per each of the 210 electoral
constituencies of Zimbabwe). These community-based monitors reside in the constituencies they monitor.
They compile reports that are handed over to ZPP provincial coordinators who man the different ZPP
offices in the ten administrative provinces of Zimbabwe. Upon receipt and verifications of the reports
from the monitors, the provincial coordinators compile provincial monthly monitoring reports, which are
then consolidated at national office into the ZPP monthly monitoring reports published in retrospect.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The political environment throughout the country has remained relatively quiet with a slight increase
in incidents of politically motivated human violations recorded during the month. There were 224
incidents witnessed in March up from the 209 cases recorded in February 2014.
In a positive development recorded during the month of March, a suspected Zanu PF activist, who
allegedly killed an MDC member in 2002 accusing him of being a sell-out because his daughters were
election agents for Morgan Tsvangirai in the presidential election, was arrested in Beitbridge after 12
years on the run. The suspect, Samson Masuku of Beitbridge was among six other suspects, Boy
Ndlovu, Cephas Muleya, Ben Tshidino Ndou, Musa Ndou, Siphiwe Sibanda and Thembelani
Ngulube, who allegedly killed Nelson Nare Ngale Mudau at his home accusing him of being a sellout. Masuku appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Sibongile Msipa on Wednesday, 12 March 2014
and was referred to the Bulawayo High Court to stand trial on a charge of murder.
The MDC-T internal fighting continued throughout the month despite assurances by the party
President Morgan Tsvangirai that the leadership had resolved its differences. Suspended party deputy
treasurer Elton Mangoma together with his backers vowed to continue pushing for leadership renewal
within the MDC-T. Despite the leadership fights from the party provincial structures, it has been
reported that most MDC-T supporters at the grassroots have endorsed Morgan Tsvangirai to continue
leading the party. The MDC-T is now alleged to be re- aligning their structures at grass-roots level
removing all those supporting Elton Mangoma from the structures, who have been labelled rebels.
This was the case for the Manicaland provincial executive led by Julius Magarangoma that was
suspended during the month under review.
The infighting was not only limited to the MDC-T as Zanu PF had its own share of violations linked
to the factionalism within the ruling party. The factionalism in Zanu PF has been reported to be in the
form of fights between supporters of Vice President Joice Mujuru and the party’s secretary of legal
affairs Emmerson Mnangagwa.
A worrying trend observed during the month was the continued farm invasions on white owned
commercial farms which started more than 13 years ago. The invasions which are usually violent
were reported in the Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West provinces. President
Robert Mugabe’s family reportedly evicted over 900 families from Manzou Farm in Mazowe to pave
way for the First Family to allegedly establish a wildlife sanctuary. Some of the victims of the
evictions are still camped at Henderson Research Station as they scrounge for alternative
accommodation. As a result of the demolitions in Manzou Farm, a yet to be opened service station
situated close to Mazowe Dam was demolished by the police. The owner lost property worth
thousands of dollars despite the fact that the development was approved by the Mazowe District
Council.
In another development, a traditional leader from Mt Darwin allegedly led a wholesale programme to
register and issue national identification certificates (IDs) to teenagers in preparation for the 2018
elections. Chief Sirako Dotito of Mt Darwin East allegedly ordered village heads under his
jurisdiction to ensure that all children aged between 14 and 18 years are assisted to get IDs at the
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