KEY VIOLATIONS
These acts point to an orchestrated campaign to instill fear, silence dissent, and deter civic participation.
Victims are often unable to report due to fear of reprisal and lack of trust in law enforcement, which is
frequently viewed as complicit or aligned with perpetrators. These incidents violate multiple provisions of the
Zimbabwean Constitution, including Section 58 (freedom of association) and Section 53 (protection from
inhuman treatment), as well as Zimbabwe’s obligations under international human rights law.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project calls on the government to ensure accountability and impartial investigations
and that law enforcement agencies must protect all citizens regardless of political affiliation. ZPP also calls
on citizens and human rights actors to strengthen support mechanisms for victims in order to promote peace
and uphold democratic values.
ABDUCTION AND TORTURE
On April 23rd in Harare Central, Ward 6, a disturbing incident of politically motivated abduction and torture
was documented, highlighting serious human rights violations involving state actors. A former supporter of the
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) was forcibly taken by two uniformed police officers in broad daylight.
The victim was bundled into an unmarked vehicle and transported to an undisclosed location where he was
subjected to physical torture. The assault was allegedly linked to his suspected involvement in political
activities associated with war veteran and former senior member of the ruling party, Blessed Geza, implying
a targeted crackdown on citizens opposed to the regime.
This incident represents a grave violation of several constitutional and international human rights protections.
Most notably, the abduction and torture contravene Section 53 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which
guarantees freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Moreover, the involvement of
law enforcement officials, who are constitutionally mandated to protect citizens, in the unlawful detention
and
abuse
of
an
individual,
points
to
a
troubling
pattern
of
state-sanctioned
repression
and
gross
misconduct. The victim was later released without charge, however, the impunity with which such acts are
carried out underscores the broader climate of fear, intimidation, and political persecution, particularly
against those aligned with opposition or alternative political views
CCC
1.79
%
ZNA
T
RA
Traditional
Leaders
ORS
2.82
%
REP
Local councils
FFA
6.15
%
ILI
4.62
%
NOI
Government
officials
TA
24.1
%
15.64
%
ZANU PF
Report
Human Rights Violations
4.36
%
TE
P
PERPETRATORS
AFFILIATION
6.41
%
FAZ
Unknown
Zimbabwe
Republic Police
34.1
%
0774883417 0774883406 4