Round Up
POST-ELECTION PERIOD:
INTIMIDATION AND HARASSMENT
OF ACTIVISTS CONTINUE
Numerous incidents of activists being coerced into
aligning with the ruling party and some facing
intimidation marked the pre-election environment.
Even after the elections and the new government
sworn in, CCC activists continued to face harassment,
particularly in rural areas. ZPP documented numerous
instances in which CCC activists fled from their
homes, with some living in fear after receiving death
threats. In some communities, political intolerance
continues to pose a threat to peace for it is still
common to use violence and intimidation as a means
of communication. On 24 September in ward 4 of
Chiwundura constituency, it was reported that a CCC
woman activist was attacked by suspected Zanu PF
members at Gambiza Business Centre while buying
her groceries. It was reported that she was
confronted and accused of being part of the people
who were working with external forces to overthrow
the Zanu PF government.
She was slapped four times and had her groceries
confiscated. It is regrettable to note that violence
against women persists in communities, discouraging
women's participation in electoral and civic
processes. Many women choose not to join politics or
participate as candidates for fear of being harassed,
sexually assaulted, or beaten by political opponents.
This severely affects women's emancipation and their
confidence to exercise their constitutional rights. As
well, Zimbabwean citizens continue to be at risk as
long as political leaders do not reign in their
supporters or adopt new, nonviolent ways of
campaigning. If the culture of political intolerance is
not addressed, the goal of achieving the United
Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development
Goals particularly Goal Number 16, which advocates
for peace, justice, and strong institutions, will remain a
pipe dream. [1]
1.
Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable
Developmenthttps://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
ARSON ATTACKS
ON OPPOSITION SUPPORTERS
Arson attacks on opposition supporters have
persisted in the post-election period. ZPP
documented over six cases of arson attacks on
opposition CCC supporters. The incidents left the
victims with no food and shelter thus affecting their
livelihoods. A case of arson was reported in Ward 7
Headlands on 20 September in the morning. It is
alleged that a CCC polling agent had his home
torched by suspected Zanu PF youths led by Brian
Madyambudzi. Everything inside the house was
burnt to ashes while50 broiler chickens got
affected and eventually died. It is said that before
the incident, Madyambudzi was moving around the
ward threatening people who were CCC polling
agents in Ward 7 Headlands. The victim lost
property worth approximately 3000 USD. This goes
against section 71(3) of the Constitution which
stipulates that no person may be compulsorily
deprived of their property except where conditions
are satisfied. When the perpetrators are out in the
open, the victims are left without any means of
support, no place to live, and at risk of further
attacks.
ABDUCTION AND ASSAULT
OF COUNCILLOR NOEL RUNGANO
It is disheartening that ZPP still records cases of
abductions, even though the world commemorated
the International Day of Victims of Enforced
Disappearances on August 30, a month ago. A case
of abduction was reported in Epworth South Ward 4
on 20 September 2023. It is alleged that Ward 4 CCC
Councillor Noel Rungano was abducted from his
home by suspected state security agents who
assaulted and left him in a disoriented state. CCC
spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi confirmed the
incident saying that Rungano's wife reported that her
husband was abducted at midnight. Mkwananzi
further confirmed the abduction adding that their
security team later found Rungano dumped and
badly beaten up before taking him to hospital.
Abductions are used as instruments to terrorize
opposition activities and prevent them from
engaging in political processes. The effects of torture
and abduction affect the person as well as the family
because the breadwinner is typically targeted.
2