EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The namecalling and counter
expulsion continued between
Khupe and Mwonzora and the
matter is now spilt into the
courts where Khupe is claiming
a share of the political parties
funding that was directed and
received by Mwonzora.
Meanwhile, the political
environment remained edgy
across the country, and the
introduction of CCC, which
adopted the colour yellow for
its branding, saw scores of
citizens and activists being
harassed and arrested for
associating with the party.
Police on 28 January arrested
and assaulted five CCC
supporters, Emmanuel Gumbo,
Erasmus Nyandoro, Prince
Mutebuka and Tatenda
Chigwada for wearing yellow
CCC regalia.
The five were later accused of
blocking a pavement and
disturbing the flow of human
traffic in central Harare and
were released after paying ZW$
2000 (about US$10) fines each.
Across the country, there were
scores of people being
harassed and intimidated for
wearing yellow in many parts
of the country, raising concerns
about the low levels of political
tolerance in the country.
Interestingly, the Zimbabwe
Republic Police (ZRP) reclaimed
the top position on the list of
human rights violators in
January and contributed to
nearly 55 percent of all
violations.
While it is not an achievement,
Zanu PF, which had topped the
list between September and
December, went to second
position at just over 27 percent
compared to last month’s 47
percent.
This remains a cause for grave
concern considering that the
ZRP is supposed to ensure the
security of persons and and
property. Municipal police
contributed to 10 percent of
violations and machete gangs
two percent.
The machete artisanal mining
gangs caused this month’s
fatality when a clash between
rival gangs over mining rights
at Mavedzenge Mine Block 8 in
Muzvezve turned violent. The
gangs, who are often armed
with machetes and axes and are
all over across the country,
often have political protection
as they are usually emissaries
of known top politicians who
use these gangs to mine
precious minerals.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project
has continued to call for the
regularisation of mining
operations and for an end to
the politicisation of mining
claims.
We believe that, based on
history, machete gangs, if left
unregulated, will be an arsenal
for political violence ahead and
during the campaign period for
the 2023 election.
We believe that, based on
history, machete gangs, if left
unregulated, will be an arsenal
for political violence ahead
during the campaign period for
the 2023 election.
Overally, January 2022 acted a
springboard for heightened
political activity that is likely to
be witnessed ahead of the
March 26 by-election and the
2023 harmonised elections.
In other words, election season
is upon us and as usual, ZPP
calls for tolerance, restraint,
transparency and peaceful
contestation.