APRIL 2024 MONTHLY MONITORING REPORT | 9 Manicaland Matabeleland South In Chimanimani, informal traders were forced to contribute to Independence Day commemorations with contributions being collected by representatives of different market areas. In Watsomba, nine women were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after walking away during First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa's address. The victims denied the charges, claiming they were targeted during a dragnet arrest. The charges of insulting and undermining the First Lady were withdrawn by the prosecutors. In Headlands, a couple who resisted forced contributions was threatened with denial of food and aid inputs from the government. A case on the right to water was reported in Mutare West Marange, where ZINWA cut water supply for over a week, affecting about 400 households and infringing on people's rights to a clean and safe environment. A CCC activist was harassed by Lovemore Mupeta from ZANU PF during a soccer tournament in Mutasa Central. The perpetrators accused the victim of supporting the CCC and denied him the chance to participate. On 14 April at Filabusi Centre of Insiza South, former members of Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ) identified as Comfort Zvandasara and Sindiso Siwela were threatening the opposition electoral observers that observed the 2023 August elections that they needed to be removed from any list of food aid beneficiaries. The duo made such remarks during a village meeting which was convened at Filabusi centre. On 16 April in ward 23 of Insiza North constituency, ZANU PF activists identified as Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo were going around intimidating and threatening citizens that those that did not vote for her will be removed in the area. Nkomo lost a council seat to Nomusa Moyo of Citizen Coalition for Change. Nkomo instructed all individuals who benefited from her campaign materials to deliver them back to her or face expulsion from the area. Materials included building cement, mealie-meal, and empowerment loans of $60 per individual.

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