Protection of citizens’ rights is under threat as noted on 20 October 2019 when anti-riot police assaulted
Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Ruvimbo Muchenje during running battles between police and
vendors in Harare CBD. Muchenje was attacked while trying to get transport to Graniteside along Julius
Nyerere Avenue; when they noticed her camera one police officer reportedly shouted, “There is a photo
journalist, deal with her” and 4 male officers descended on the victim with baton sticks. Muchenje sustained
serious injuries in the altercation.
Meanwhile, MDC Harare West Ward 16 Councillor Denford Ngadziore, Makomborero Haruzivishe and
John Matoratora were assaulted by anti-riot police officers deployed at Rotten Row Magistrates Courts on
21 October 2019. Ngadziore and team were assaulted for demonstrating in solidarity with 10 vendors
(previously 11 before Tamangani lost his life) who were arrested by police for vending on 12 October 2019
and charged with inciting public violence. The anti-riot officers reportedly assaulted the trio including
Ngadziore with baton sticks before apprehending and arresting them on unspecified charges. They were
taken to Harare Central Police Station.
The state repression is also highlighted by the fear of victims to reveal their political affiliation. 94.65% of
victims of cases recorded in October 2019 were not comfortable with sharing information about their
political persuasion. This is a major shift from the past where victims of human right violations would
readily provide such information.
The anti-sanctions march brought about a number of human rights violations as previously highlighted.
In a number of reported cases, people, including school children, were forced to attend the anti-sanctions
marches and told that failure to do so would result in retribution such as losing jobs (teachers), losing stands
or farms, deprivation of needed aid and shops or business premises would be burnt to the ground.
In Beitbridge West Constituency at Dulivadzimu Township, Beitbridge Members of Parliament Albert
Nguluvhe and Ruth Mavhungu Maboyi allegedly forced school children to march against sanctions. In
Lupane West Constituency at Somhlolo stadium, Zanu PF member identified as John Mabikwa Khumalo
instructed school children to march and recite party slogans, emphasising that sanctions equally affected
school children. Both these incidences occurred on the 25th of October 2019.
In Seke, civil servants whose ministries are housed at the District Administrator’s Office were forced to
participate in the anti-sanctions campaign. On 23 October 2019, the Assistant District Administrator Mr
Samunda announced that civil servants should participate in the march and an attendance register would be
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