In Bulawayo, a Zanu PF activist identified as Gazi is reported to have intimidated three citizens on 25
August after the ruling party lost the Cowdry Park constituency. Gazi is said to have insulted the trio as
dogs and further told them that as beneficiaries of Zanu PF equipment they needed to return the
resources they received through the ruling party.
ZPP received reports of accredited observers who were denied access to witness the vote counting
process on polling day. It is alleged that local observers accredited by the Zimbabwe Electoral
Commission (ZEC) were disallowed to observe the vote counting process in ward 17, Mazowe South
Glendale at Tsungubvi primary school. On polling day the local observers were told to exit the polling
station by presiding officer Mr Changanana, and Mr Manzini, a ZEC official. The officers alleged that
only political party agents were supposed to witness the vote counting process. A similar incident was
reported at Glendale Country Club polling station in ward 17. Local observers were removed by the
presiding officer from the polling station before the counting process commenced. In Mashonaland
West Kadoma Central at Chedonje Primary School in ward 2 local observers accredited by ZEC were
chased away from observing the vote counting process by FAZ members. It is alleged that only political
party agents were allowed inside the polling stations.
Key Findings and Mitigation Measures
Arson attacks as a weapon?
ZPP documented cases where CCC supporters had their homes set on fire. Many CCC supporters
have lost shelter and other property as a result of arson attacks by alleged Zanu PF supporters during
this electoral period. The majority of victims believe that the offenders are political oponents from the
ruling party. . These arson attacks have affected livelihoods resulting in people lacking shelter, food
and clothing. In Mashonaland West, a case of arson was reported in Magunje on 26 August. It is
alleged that Zanu PF youth activist Nicholas Mulanji burnt a house belonging to a CCC election agent.
It is said that the victim was targeted because he was a CCC polling agent at Chiroti primary school in
ward 12. The victim lost food, kitchen utensils and property which has affected his family’slivelihood.
Citizens have the right to privacy as stipulated in the Constitution. Section 57 of the Constitution of
Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013 (Act No. 1 of 2013) states that, “Every person has the right to
privacy which includes the right not to have their homes, premises or property entered without their
permission.”
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