PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
Masvingo
In Masvingo, 13 human rights violations affecting 722 (359 men and 363 women including 28 PWDs) victims were
documented in May, reflecting a troubling pattern of discrimination, neglect of basic services, and abuse of authority. At
Boora Secondary School, students were denied access to education by the headmistress and School Development
Committee members due to non-payment of fees, violating the right to education and exacerbating inequality among
economically vulnerable families. In the health sector, the right to health was severely compromised at Gutu Rural
Hospital, where nurses allegedly stole medication, resulting in patients being denied essential treatment. This theft,
followed by violent interrogation of the nurses, highlighted both systemic corruption and violations of due process and
protection from inhuman treatment. Further, patients at the same hospital were discharged without medications for
critical conditions such as hypertension and sexually transmitted infections, while the mortuary remained non-functional
and the hospital kitchen lacked food, forcing patients to bring their own supplies, a clear denial of the right to health
and dignity.
In Mwenezi North, ward 6, the elderly were neglected, as evidenced by the case of 87-year-old Gogo Sibanda, who was
denied free medical care at Sarahuro Clinic. Her experience of inadequate care and delayed meals constitutes a
violation of the right to health and humane treatment for older persons. In a case of political discrimination, the MP for
Bikita South openly declared that wards 4, 28, and 29 would be excluded from development programs such as
Constituency Development Funds and devolution projects because they did not vote for him. This public exclusion
violates the principles of non-discrimination, equality before the law, and the right to development. Together, these
cases paint a grim picture of service delivery failures, political retribution, and neglect of vulnerable groups, undermining
citizens’ dignity, safety, and access to basic rights.
Midlands
Bulawayo
In Midlands Province, 12 human rights violations affecting 140
In
(74
documented,
violations stem from systemic barriers to education
highlighting political discrimination and systemic exclusion.
and basic services. A significant number of minors are
At Chinyenyetu High School in Gokwe Nembudziya, students
out of school due to the inability of parents to afford
from Form One to Form Four were turned away for non-
numerous school fees and levies, compounded by the
payment of school fees, a violation of their right to
flawed and biased BEAM (Basic Education Assistance
education. On 29 April 2025, during a Social Welfare wheat
Module) selection process that fails to adequately
distribution meant to cover three months, 15 opposition-
support vulnerable children. This neglect forces
affiliated individuals were deliberately excluded, with the
children into street vending, exposing them to severe
biased beneficiary list compiled by traditional leaders.
violations such as child labor, prostitution, and drug
Additionally, at a local business centre, three ZANU PF youths
abuse, undermining their safety and development.
harassed
men
and
women)people
threatened
significant
human
rights
for
allegedly
Additionally, limited access to safe water and
Chiwenga.
The
incident
sanitation, particularly in areas like Nguboyenja,
underscores deepening political intolerance and factionalism
disproportionately impacts women with disabilities,
that threaten peaceful coexistence and freedom of opinion
who face long queues and heightened risks of abuse
in the province.
and health problems. These conditions reflect a
Vice
President
five
were
province,
patrons
supporting
and
66
Bulawayo
broader failure to uphold children's right to education,
protection, and the right to adequate living standards,
including water and sanitation.
11