ISSUES OF CONCERN REGARDING PWDs
In August, ZPP recorded worrying cases
which breached political rights of
persons with disabilities’ amongst other
rights such as the right to freedom of
assembly and association. The nature of
these cases continue to point towards
violation of civil and political rights in
Zimbabwe. A serious case of assault of
persons with disabilities was recorded
on 22 August, at Nhakiwa Ward 14 in
Uzumba. Zanu PF Ward Councillor Fagio
Zondayi Marowa assaulted elderly
villagers and persons with disabilities
who had attended a meeting addressed
by the opposition CCC leader Nelson
Chamisa. The vulnerable villagers were
accused of being CCC members after
attending the meeting. In another
unfortunate incident recorded in Harare,
members of the Military Presidential
Guard Unit were allegedly responsible for
the murder of a 35 year old man at State
House. Levy Musendo of Mukafose who
was undergoing mental therapy died
under unclear circumstances at or near
State House in Harare.
On 20 August, Levy’s father, Job
Musendo, received a phone call from an
unidentified police officer at Harare
Central Police Station, informing him that
his son had been arrested and detained.
He was advised that his son had been
taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals
for medical attention as he had
sustained severe injuries and was
bleeding profusely from the nose and
mouth. On 24 August at around 16:00
hours, they were led into the office of a
Chief Superintendent Moyo, who broke
the news of their son’s death. ZPP notes
with concern that violation of PWDs’ civil
and political rights have been increasing
as the nation heads towards the 2023
harmonized elections. As an urgent
remedy to ensure that persons with
disabilities enjoy their rights freely, ZPP
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