KEY VIOLATIONS
VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHT TO PERSONAL SECURITY
During the reporting period, 14 grave violations of the right to personal security involving state actors,
unaffiliated citizens, and ruling party affiliates were documented, reflecting a troubling pattern of political
violence and intimidation. Additionally, 21 violations in the form of threats of violence were also documented
across provinces.
In Binga South, the Zimbabwe National Army deployed approximately 25 soldiers without public notice, raising
serious concerns over the militarisation of civilian spaces. Although their presence was linked to anti-smuggling
operations, it coincided with intensified opposition activities, suggesting a political motive. Soldiers assaulted
two fishermen, imposed illegal fines, controlled local fish trading, and carried out arbitrary punishments,
actions far beyond their constitutional mandate and in violation of rights to personal security, due process, and
freedom of association. Similarly, at the MSU graduation ceremony in Kwekwe on 11 September 2025, soldiers
assaulted twelve attendees who attempted to leave before the President concluded proceedings.
In Harare, state security operatives inflicted violence on civilians during law enforcement operations, including
the assault of a woman and the torture of a man who was later found innocent of any crime, reflecting the
unchecked and unlawful use of force by state actors. Ruling party supporters were also implicated in politically
motivated assaults. In Kariba, four men and one woman were attacked after a debate on national leadership;
in Mashonaland West (Chinhoyi Ward 10), two opposition supporters were beaten for wearing opposition
regalia; and in Mashonaland East (Ward 12), two women were assaulted and forcibly removed from a funeral
for allegedly belonging to the opposition. In Chitungwiza, a victim was burned and assaulted by suspected
ruling party supporters for wearing clothing associated with the opposition showing the nature of political
intolerance in communities. These incidents collectively underscore a pattern in which citizens, who may be
state agents, ruling party affiliates or taking advantage of weak human rights accountability act with impunity
to intimidate civilians, suppress dissent, and violate fundamental rights.
CCC Leadership
School Authorities
0.8
%
9.9
%
8%
Traditional
Leaders
Other
RS
ZNA
4.2
%
3.8
%
AFF
I
AT
ION
4.6
%
LI
State security
agents
R
O
AT
10.3
%
PERP
ET
9.1 %
Government
officials
Local councils
2.7
%
7.6%
17.9
%
ZANU PF
Supporters
ZANU PF
Leadership
21.3
%
Artisanal
Miners
Zimbabwe
Republic Police
4