PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
MARCH
25
APRIL
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uB
Harare
Matabeleland South
In Harare Province, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) documented
ZPP documented three human rights violations,
14 human rights violations during the reporting period, highlighting a
highlighting
troubling pattern of judicial repression, harassment, and politically
basic services. In Wards 3 and 5, the Zimbabwe
motivated intimidation. Key among these was the continued denial
National Water Authority (ZINWA) has failed to
of bail and the use of prolonged pre-trial detention as a punitive
supply
tool. Journalist Blessed Mhlanga of Heart and Soul TV (HSTV), who
communities
was
days
relying on rainwater, walking 3 to 4 kilometers to
before being released by order of the High court on the 6th of May
access distant boreholes, or resorting to buying
2025. Mhlanga is now facing joint charges with his employer under
water from private vendors for an average of 10
two counts of transmitting data messages allegedly inciting violence
Rand for 20 litres. The province also witnessed
or
individuals
malpractices in the distribution of government
arrested on 31 March for allegedly participating in a demonstration
sponsored food aid in areas such as Matobo
opposing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s continued rule beyond
South. Despite the allocation being intended for
2028 were denied bail and remain detained. They face charges of
a three-month period, only a one-month supply
unlawful
arrested
property
on
24
February
damage.
gathering
In
another
example,
suffer.
Residents
as
are
was distributed, with each recipient required to
pay 25 rand to cover transport costs for a 50kg
intimidation of citizens, particularly in Seke and Epworth, ahead of
wheat allocation. The persistent failure of ZINWA
the national Independence Day commemorations on 18 April. These
and
coercive tactics included forced fundraising and threats for non-
recipients
underscore
compliance, contributing to a climate of fear. Additionally, political
essential
service
tensions escalated in Glenview, where explosions damaged property
vulnerability of rural communities.
cases
violence.
95
72
to
excuses
to
and
recorded
incite
for
continue
only
access
harassment
also
to
stark
detained
offering
in
legal
ZPP
intent
was
water,
challenges
Beyond
persecution,
with
2025,
ongoing
of
the
financial
burden
the
delivery
placed
on
ongoing
and
food
neglect
the
aid
of
growing
in what was widely perceived as an intimidation tactic ahead of
local
by-elections.
Collectively,
these
incidents
illustrate
a
deepening erosion of civil liberties and the weaponization of state
institutions to silence dissent and suppress fundamental freedoms.
8