MAY VIOLATIONS
0
10
16
Threats of Violence
Assault
14
11
Restricted access to social services
Restricted freedom of assembly
10
Impeded access
7
MDP
6
Restrictred Freedom of Expression
5
4
Unfair distribution of food aid
3
Unlawful evictions
unjustified arrest
Report
Human
Rights
Violations
2
HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION
In May, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) documented 16 violations classified under harassment and
intimidation, many of which were politically motivated and targeted at individuals exercising their fundamental
human rights. These violations affected 307 people (196 men and 111 women including 1 PWD). These acts
constitute a clear violation of constitutionally protected rights to freedom of association, expression, and
protection from inhuman and degrading treatment. In Nyanga South’s Ward 15, a community leader working to
promote the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through a locally established organisation was
systematically targeted by ZANU PF-affiliated individuals, including the local councillor, the party chairperson,
and a war veteran. The victim, who partners with the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women
Affairs, was accused of canvassing for political support and was coerced into either terminating his activities
or including the perpetrators in his organisation. On 27 May, he was summoned by the ruling party leaders and
threatened with abduction after asserting that PWDs could not participate in food-for-work programs due to
their physical conditions. This intimidation is emblematic of broader repression, where civic initiatives,
particularly those that empower marginalized groups are viewed through a partisan lens and violently
curtailed.
In Harare Province, the home of two former Chitungwiza local leaders and CCC affiliates was bombed at
midnight in Zengeza 3 Extension, Ward 12. Three explosive devices targeted the house, car, and tuckshop,
severely damaging property and endangering 10 family members. Though only one person was physically
injured, the psychological trauma and exposure to hazardous fumes from the explosion further underscore the
severity of this politically motivated attack. The victim suspects ZANU PF members, and while the case has
been reported to the police, the lack of visible arrests raises concerns about the state's commitment to
protecting opposition-aligned individuals. Such incidents serve to entrench fear, limit political participation,
and deter community activism, especially among political activists.
In the Midlands Province, in Chiwundura, eight ZANU PF-aligned youths confronted villagers and issued threats
against those suspected of sympathizing with Nelson Chamisa’s movement, ahead of an expected local
political gathering. In Ward 10 of Murewa North, Chairman Peter Maliki openly declared that the ward was
exclusive to ZANU PF supporters, threatening violence against anyone wearing Chamisa-branded attire, an
outright attack on the right to political expression and participation.
Report
Human Rights Violations
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