to the chair by the “offices” without the knowledge of other activists who normally made the list of the
poling agents. An ex MDC-T councillor by the name Kunyara Kusena was said to be seriously opposed to
the idea, which led to problems and disruption of the meeting.
Mashonaland Central
Major violations reported contravened people’s freedom of expression, freedom of association, right to food and also bordered around
discrimination, harassment and intimidation. Mashonaland is the home of the leader of ZimPF leader Joice Mujuru and it is reported her
supporters were targeted by the ruling Zanu PF party.
Date
HR Violated
Provincial highlights
14 January
Freedom of
Assembly
Political
Rights
In Mazowe Central Constituency Kanyemba Village, ZimPF members were stopped from holding their
meeting by Zanu PF youth leader Canaan Mbewe and his youth militia. Mbewe is reported to have told
ZimPF members not to hold their meeting because they did not have clearance after notifying the police. The
matter was reported to the police but no action was taken against perpetrators. The police told ZimPF
members that the matter was under investigation but no one was questioned or arrested.
28 January
Freedom of
Association
In Kazungu village Guruve North ward 9, Village headman Amon Gunyere forced villagers to attend a Zanu
PF rally in the area. People were frog marched to the rally despite having other domestic chores to do. There
were people who were identified as opposition advocates namely Lucia Mpwanya and Agness Isa. These
were openly told to vote Zanu PF in 2018 elections or else they would regret. All youths were also told to
attend ruling party political meetings.
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