4 | MONTHLY MONITORING REPORT
APRIL 2024
Violations of rights and freedoms by soldiers
In three incidents, the members of the defence forces have been recorded harassing
and assaulting civilians. In Chegutu West, Ward 3, 2 members of the Zimbabwe
National Army (ZNA) wearing red berets, raided Springs of Grace Academy College
on 11 April and harassed teachers accusing them of conducting holiday lessons against
government policy. The soldiers jumped over the school gate and harrassed teachers
during time for classes leaving both class practitioners and students terrified. Later
that day, the soldiers reportedly carried out a similar raid at Pfupajena Government
School in ward 6 and teachers present ran for their lives leaving learners in classes.
On the 29th of April in the Gweru Central Business District, around 10 members of
the Zimbabwe National Army raided and physically assaulted street money changers.
8 males were assaulted using sjamboks. The victims were later released by the army
officers and no arrests were made. The assault, a violation of the right to personal
security (Section 52), followed the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Constantino
Chiwenga’s remarks threatening violence on money changers. He said “We wouldn’t
want you (money changers) to end up being crippled after being attacked” during his
address to ZANU PF supporters in Harare East ahead of the April 27 by-elections. This
occurred at a time of the introduction of a new currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) by
the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and the government’s efforts to curb speculation and
illegal trading in foreign currency. The Defense Forces, according to Section 211 of the
Constitution of Zimbabwe, must ‘respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all
persons and be non-partisan.’ The degrading treatment of teachers and money
changers by soldiers may induce fear and effects of psychological torture in the
victims. The violation of the victims’ right to personal security shows a disregard of
the constitutional mandate of the security forces to protect the people of Zimbabwe
and uphold the constitution as stated in Section 212.
Image Source: The Standard Newspaper