Although inter-party violence continues to rear its ugly head, October incidences
show this has taken a backseat to intra-party strife. Nevertheless, inter-party
conflict continues to be concerning in and of itself. Reported instances include
Zanu-PF against MDC-T instances; and another instance of significant turmoil
where three truckloads of Zanu-PF youths “descended” upon a Transform
Zimbabwe party meeting in Glen View. Barely three years old, the party has now
had its own “baptism of violence” at the hands of the ruling Zanu-PF which showed
once again intolerance of alternative political affiliation. In the cited particular
event some women and youths were injured.
In this event and several others in this month’s report the police response remains
less than favourable as arrests are not made. In some instances allegations are that
members of the police even look the other way, when violence occurs around
them.
Demonstrations by the MDC-T against the continued rule of President Robert
Mugabe attracted alleged police brutality in Tafara, Harare, which, the Freedom
to Demonstrate and Petition (Constitution 4:2:59).
Also disturbing in this report are the ongoing fires at tree plantations in the
Eastern Highlands. Some areas, where peasant farmers have infringed upon private
property rights by resettling themselves on private land belonging to Border
Timbers, Wattle Company, Mutare Board and Paper Mills and Allied Timbers, have
seen extensive damage to property with invaders setting on fire more than 14 000
hectares of exotic trees’ plantation. Affected plantations are in Chimanimani,
Penhalonga, Chipinge and Nyanga.
Although representatives of the timber companies have reported to police and
approached the courts on the invasions and fire incidences, other than some short
term minor fine charges to offenders, long term recourse for the companies is yet
to be effected. Meanwhile the losses continue on with the timber companies
telling Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) that since October the fires occur daily.
Food discriminations along party lines continued in several parts of the country
particularly in Mashonaland provinces and to a lesser extent in Matabeleland.
By and large most violations recorded in the month of October include the
Freedom of Assembly and Association; Freedom to Demonstrate, Freedom of
Expression; equality and non-discrimination; as in the cases of people being beaten
up for preferring certain candidates, certain parties and in the situation where
people from other parties are denied food assistance and relief. Property rights
were also violated, particularly in the case of the timber plantations in
Manicaland.
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