PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
Matabeleland North
In Matabeleland North, ZPP documented three significant human rights violations, the most serious involving
assault and abuse of authority by deployed soldiers. In Binga South, Saba-Lubanda Ward 8, soldiers were
deployed without prior notice, allegedly for anti-smuggling or stock theft operations, but their presence coincided
with heightened political activity, suggesting intimidation of opposition gatherings. During this period, opposition
members campaigning for a new political movement faced obstruction, including interference by ZRP. Soldiers
beat two male fishermen and forcibly collected fines without due process, violating constitutional rights to safety,
fair hearing, and freedom of association, while fishermen and traders were coerced to surrender fish and money,
with female traders subjected to sexual exploitation. In Binga North Ward 6, villagers, including the elderly, were
forced to pay for access to government maize distributions under threat of exclusion. These incidents reveal
systemic abuse of power, political intimidation, economic coercion, physical assault, and violations of
constitutional rights to life, property, and fair administrative procedures.
Conclusion
The documented human rights violations across Zimbabwe reveal a deeply concerning pattern of politically
motivated abuses including some where state apparatuses are utilised and widespread abuses often going
unnoticed. Beyond the visible assaults and public crackdowns, subtle but equally harmful practices, such as the
politicisation of food aid, forced grain contributions, and the manipulation of community structures, are eroding
fundamental freedoms. These actions undermine the constitutional rights to personal security, freedom of
assembly, association, and expression, while fostering fear and dependency within communities. The use of
security forces and party structures to control civic spaces and livelihoods reflects a deliberate strategy to silence
dissent and entrench power.
Addressing both overt and hidden violations is essential for restoring citizens’ dignity, democratic participation,
and constitutional order.