Provincial Highlights
Intimidation/harassment
1
1
Unlawful detention
1
0
Threat level: Low
Threat level: Low
It is alleged that on 12 December the Harare City Council
demolished about 39 structures in Arcadia ward 2 of Harare
South. Reports are that about 30 cottages and surrounding
parameter walls were demolished by council graders. Part of
the affected residents residing in Arcadia including Gift Zindi
and Dongo accused the city council of corrupt tendencies and
using dubious documents to destroy their properties. Dongo
also reported that a council employee identified only as
Themba facilitated the demolitions to benefit more land since
he was constructing a house opposite the affected areas. In a
telephone interview Harare City Council spokesperson
Michael Chideme reported that the council is guided by-laws
permitting them to demolish illegal structures. He argued that
the inhabitants were served with notice letters prior to
evictions. He also reiterated that the structures were built on
land set aside for drainage pipes and sewage systems.
On the 31st December 2017 during a church conference at
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds Hall 4, with the
theme ‘Prayer for Zimbabwe,’ eight youths from the
Mthwakazi
Republic
Party
were
arrested
after
they
demonstrated against President Mnangagwa demanding
answers on Gukurahundi genocide in the early eighties. It is
said that the peaceful demonstration was meant to send a clear
message to President Mnangagwa who was the guest of
honour. While they were demonstrating carrying placards with
the inscription written; Sicela imisebenzi (We need jobs),
Amathambo
eGukurahundi
ayakhala
adinga
impendulo
(Gukurahundi bones are calling for an answer), they were
harshly withdrawn from the crowds by members of the
uniformed forces and perceived Central Intelligence Officers
Demolished homes in Arcadia
(CIO’s). Although it remains unclear, it was reported that the
youths were taken to Brady Barracks- a military base where
they were thoroughly beaten and later transferred to Bulawayo
Central Police Station. Those who demonstrated include
Sehliselo Ndebele, Marshall Sibanda, Nkosilathi Ncube,
Khethani Ndlovu, Malwande Nare, Thembisani Mpofu and
Brighton Sibanda.
Category of incident
Dec 2017
Nov 2017
Assault
0
0
Discrimination
0
0
MDP
0
0
Some of the structures destroyed in Arcadia Harare
6