Freedom of Assembly and Association
In the month of June, ZPP recorded a total of 18 cases related to freedom of assembly
and association. The highest number of cases were recorded in Manicaland and
Mashonaland Central which had 4 cases each and Bulawayo recorded 1 case.
On 26 June in ward 21 at Gangare Clinic of Bikita East it was reported that Zanu PF
was forcing citizens to attend their cell group exercise and coerced the participants to
wear regalia of the party. The group was led by Vengai Muchini, Innocent Musora,
Tinotenda Rangarira and Kudakwashe Machinapaya. Citizens were made to sing Zanu
PF songs, recited chants and equally warned citizens to support the party and not
opposition. A few minutes earlier Muchini phoned Gangare Primary School, the Deputy
Head Mr. Machicho Martin (53) with the intention of distributing the regalia to the 18
staff members.
According to Section 58 of the Constitution, every Zimbabwean has the right not to
assemble or associate with others nor be compelled to belong to an association or to
attend a meeting or gathering. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
Article 10 states that, “every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with
others.” In addition, Article 11 states that, “every individual shall have the right to
freedom of movement.” The right to freedom of association is guaranteed under
Articles 12(3), 27(2) and 28 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and
Governance.
Right to Personal Security
ZPP recorded 13 cases related to the violation of the right to personal security.
Manicaland recorded 5 cases which was the highest number recorded and
Mashonaland East recorded a case.
On 21 June 2023 in ward 7, Goromonzi South at around 0730 hrs, a CCC aspiring
councillor and other CCC members gathered at Samutoko shops popularly known as
Solomio. The CCC members were clad in party regalia in preparation for the
nomination process to be held at Ruwa Local Board Main Offices. As they were singing
and ululating, they were confronted by Zanu PF youths who arrived in a pickup truck.
An altercation ensued as ruling party youths were ordered to discipline the CCC
members calling them sell outs. The situation became tense as the Zanu PF members
threatened to assault and facilitate the arrest of the CCC candidates to bar them from
submitting papers for nomination. The situation normalised after the intervention of 2
police officers who calmed the rival groups. However, the situation remained tense as
CCC activists residing in the area were further harassed and threatened with eviction
from the area.
Section 52 of the Constitution states that every Zimbabwean has the right to bodily
and psychological integrity, which includes the right to freedom from all forms of
violence from public or private sources. Articles 3 and 5 of the UDHR recognise that
every person has the right to personal liberty and security, and this is supported by
Article 6 of the ACHPR.
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