The Round Up
In the month before the elections ZPP recorded 301 human rights violations, a large
increase from 206 in June 2023. The recorded violations demonstrate that citizens are not
able to access an environment that is free to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed
freedoms in independent Zimbabwe. 54% of the violations were of threats, harassment,
and intimidation, 19% of assault and 12% of discrimination. ZPP identified 5 006 victims of
human rights violations (59% male, 39% female, 1% male persons with disability and 0.9%
female PWDs). The general citizens populated the highest percentage of victims, 91%, and
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters followed with 8% and Zanu PF with 0.3%.
The Zanu PF party perpetrated the most violations (59%), followed by the Forever
Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) at 12% and the ZRP at 6%. Mashonaland Central (79) and
Manicaland (59) provinces recorded the highest violations, followed by Harare (41) whilst
Matabeleland North (5) and South (2) and Bulawayo (12) had the lowest. ZPP is largely
concerned about how women continue to be victims of human rights abuses and violations
generally and the targeting of female opposition supporters in particular. ZPP has
documented a slight increase of female victims from 38% in June to 39% for July.
Assault of Human rights defenders and
aspiring candidates
In the discharge of their duties, human
rights defenders particularly the media
personnel faced harassment and assault.
The case in point being Annastancia
Ndlovu, a journalist with Voice of
America (VOA) based in Bulawayo who
was assaulted by a group of Zanu PF
members. It is said that Ndlovu was
recording stories and experiences of the
vendors who were being forced by Zanu
PF to register in party cell groups. Facts
confirm that Ndlovu was assaulted for
ecording the experiences of the vendors. She had her phone confiscated and it was later
given back to her. This is another case of violence against a journalist in the course of their
duties.
During the 2023 pre-electoral period ZPP has observed an alarming trend of attacks and
intimidation against CCC activists in their localities. Attacks on aspiring candidates have
been documented by ZPP, primarily against aspiring local authority and national assembly
candidates.
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