Midlands Province
Human rights violations were on the rise during the month of August in the province which made
the environment very volatile. Freedom of assembly and association was curtailed in the province
by Zanu PF activists. In ward 29 of Redcliff, it was reported that Zanu PF activists Melusi Hylet
Maphosa, Nyaradzo Mpofu and Kegu Sibanda were intimidating citizens that there would be
violence if Zanu PF lost to any opposition parties. In Gokwe Kabuyuni, ward 27 it was reported
that Zanu PF members including the District Chairperson identified as Vhumbanyama, the
Women's League chairperson, and FAZ member Viola Mbombeshora ordered citizens to vote for
the ruling party or else relive the horror of the 2008 violent elections.
On 22 August in Gokwe Kabuyuni it was reported that a CCC polling agent was abducted at
Miskiri by a suspected Zanu PF activist identified as Zivanai Chakanaka. Reports detail that the
victim was abducted, beaten, and later released. He sustained bruises and later received
treatment at a hospital.
Bulawayo Province
The province recorded an increase in cases of defacing of campaign posters of rival
contestants. Such acts violate Section 152(1) of the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13 which makes it
illegal to deface or tear down any published poster, placard, and billboard. At Sekusile Shopping
Centre of Nkulumane constituency, it was noted that Fungai Maluta of Citizens Coalition for
Change was reported to have torn posters of Zanu PF members. It is said that the posters were
pasted outside Dziruni Shops. Maluta tore the posters and remarked that Zanu PF should not be
allowed to pass their posters as they are oppressors. A similar case was recorded in
Phelandaba-Tshabalala ward 20, where a Zanu PF youth identified as Nyanisi Nyanisi tore
posters of CCC aspiring Member of Parliament Ostallos Sizibaat Mayenziwe Shops. One of the
biggest CCC billboards erected along Matopos road near Zimbabwe International Trade Fair
(ZITF) grounds was vandalised by suspected Zanu PF youths led by Tendai Chiruka. Reports
indicate that the assailants used fuel, paper, and bottles to vandalise the billboard around
midnight.
Political intolerance was also recorded in the province. A Zanu PF activist identified as Gazi is
reported to have intimidated 3 vicitms after the ruling party lost the Cowdry Park constituency.
Gazi is said to have insulted the three as dogs and further told them that as beneficiaries of
Zanu PF equipment they needed to return the resources they received from the ruling party.
Page 17