Freedom of Assembly and Association
During the month under review ZPP recorded a
total of 13 cases related to freedom of assembly
and association. Mashonaland East province
recorded 3 cases, the highest number, followed
by Matabeleland North with 2.
During the independence celebrations on the
18th of April at Lupane Centre, it was reported
that John Khumalo who is acting as Chief
Mabhikwa told the participants that they should
all vote for Zanu PF and nothing else. He warned
villagers that those who will vote for opposition
parties will be removed from benefiting from the
social services list. Zanu PF youths led by Litious
Tshinga (son of a ruling par ty district
chairperson) were hunting down CCC aspiring
councillor in Mazowe West ward 25.
Reports state that the youths went in search of
him when they learnt that he was among the
nominees willing to contest for a local
government seat in Mazowe West on the
opposition CCC ticket.
It is alleged that Tshinga is working with FAZ, a
ruling party pressure group which is hunting
down perceived state opponents in rural
communities. Reports say that the youths intend
to punish the aspiring councillor and use him to
identify all people working with CCC in Mazowe.
Section 58 of the Constitution states that every
Zimbabwean has the right not to assemble or
associate with others nor be compelled to
belong to an association or to attend a meeting
or gathering.
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’
Rights, Article 10 states that, “every individual
shall have the right to assemble freely with
others.” In addition, Article 11 states that, “every
individual shall have the right to freedom of
movement.” The right to freedom of association
is guaranteed under Articles 12(3), 27(2) and 28
of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections
and Governance.
THE ZIMBABWE PEACE PROJECT MONTHLY MONITORING REPORT | APRIL 2023
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