Section 52 of the Constitution states that every Zimbabwean has the right to bodily and
psychological integrity, which includes the right to freedom from all forms of violence from
public or private sources. Articles 3 and 5 of the UDHR recognise that every person has the
right to personal liberty and security, and this is supported by Article 6 of the African
Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
Freedom of Assembly and Association
In the month of July, ZPP recorded a total of 36 cases related to freedom of assembly and
association. Manicaland had the highest number, 9 cases and Mashonaland East recorded
2 cases being the lowest.
A Zanu PF youth was assaulted for putting President Emmerson Mnangagwa ‘s campaign
posters outside a fast-food outlet, Chicken lnn. The incident happened in Chegutu Central
on 24 July. The victim allegedly defied instructions from Chicken Inn employees, who
confronted him to pull down Mnangagwa’s campaign material on a pole adjacent the
outlet. The victim defied their orders and was assaulted by Chicken Inn staff. It is alleged
that, the Chicken Inn staff claimed that they were instructed by the Branch Manager to
remove any poster that was close to their premises. The matter was reported to Chegutu
Central Police Station.
According to Section 58 of the Constitution, every Zimbabwean has the right not to
assemble or associate with others nor be compelled to belong to an association or to
attend a meeting or gathering. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Article
10 states that, “every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others.” In
addition, Article 11 states that, “every individual shall have the right to freedom of
movement.” The right to freedom of association is guaranteed under Articles 12(3), 27(2)
and 28 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
Right to administrative justice
In the month of May, ZPP recorded 7 cases of right to administrative justice.
It is alleged that Zanu PF youths camped at Ranja pre-school base in Mudzi North ward 17
have been forcing nearby villagers to contribute money for welfare. Reports indicate that
the youths have camped at the pre-school since 3 July which has resulted in many people
living in fear. The youths reportedly wake up every-morning running in streets singing
revolutionary songs denigrating the opposition CCC. It is alleged that Chief Mukota (Alex
Manhando Tsuro) assigned them to compile names of CCC supporters saying when the
government deploys soldiers, they should be ready to submit names of traitors.
Section 68 of the Constitution stipulates that every Zimbabwean has a right to
administrative conduct that is lawful, prompt, efficient, reasonable, proportionate, impartial
and both substantively and procedurally fair.
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