OCTOBER 2022
4 Key Findings and
Mitigation Measures
4.1 Political and electoral-related violence
The violence reported around the October 22 by-elections in Matobo Ward 2 and Insiza Ward
4, resulting in CCC members sustaining severe injuries, confirms the political environment's
toxicity in Zimbabwe. The details include inter-party and intra-party violence and threats to
candidates and campaign teams. These violent incidents negatively affect the electorate's
participation in democratic political processes, especially among vulnerable groups. Most
citizens would rather not relive the violent elections of 2008, thus easily intimidated and
pressured into supporting Zanu PF.
The gendered nature of the violence reported in an incident where four women were
stripped of their clothing is one of the worrying barriers to women participating in politics
and governance. Images of the violated half-naked women went viral on social media. The
assault of women with booted feet makes more women apathetic to politics.
The growing suspicion that the perpetrators are coming from outside the area is worrying.
The practice is not new. In years past, bussed perpetrators unleashed violence in territories
where their identity is unknown. The Matabeleland South victims report that most assailants
were men armed with guns, spoke Shona, and drove cars emblazoned Mashonaland Central.
ZPP recommends the adoption of the following interventions to ensure that the political and
electoral environment is violent free;
4.1.1 More resources should be channelled toward supporting efforts to document
admissible evidence and expose perpetrators of politically motivated violence.
4.1.2 Political parties should reign in their leaders and supporters to desist from perpetrating
violence by putting in place sanctions against perpetrators.
4.1.3 Continue to pressure Chapter 12 Commissions to act on submitted reports on politically
motivated violence.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project
Monthly Monitoring Report
5