PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
Masvingo
A total of 14 human rights violations were documented across parts of Masvingo Province, affecting 5893 people (3113
women, 2780 men including 14 PWDs) in areas such as Mwenezi, Chiredzi, Zaka, Bikita, and Gutu. These violations
highlight a pattern of politically driven exclusion from government-sponsored food aid, forced contributions,
intimidation, and the weaponisation of basic services for political loyalty. In Mwenezi North’s Village 4, under
Kraalhead Chitemere, villagers were threatened with removal from the village and exclusion from future donor
programs after they collectively refused to participate in a politically linked food-for-work initiative that had not been
consulted on or fairly explained. The villagers, who initially objected peacefully, were fined US$10 each by traditional
leadership, and when they resisted, they were told they would lose their place in the community and future aid,
demonstrating a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association, protection from forced labour, and access to
humanitarian aid without discrimination. In a similarly coercive practice, households in Mwenezi were forced to pay
compulsory fees for an agricultural show and Heroes’ Day celebrations under threat of being denied access to
farming inputs. In Mwenezi East, a school development issue escalated when children were made to fetch water and
perform construction tasks for a school under construction, duties originally meant for parents, disrupting learning and
raising concerns over child labour and the right to education. Parents who resisted were met with threats of violence
by the school head. In Bikita South, a ZANU PF chairperson reportedly evicted individuals suspected of opposition
affiliation from King Mine housing, reallocating their homes to ruling party supporters, an egregious act of political
discrimination and forced displacement. Meanwhile, in Chiredzi East, political mobilisers linked to the ruling party,
calling themselves "Varakashi for ED," threatened villagers with future aid exclusion and violence should they refuse to
attend campaign roadshows, illustrating the continued use of intimidation to secure political attendance and control.
At Zibwowa Rural Health Clinic in Zaka South, members of a health committee were harassed and intimidated by
local ruling party leaders and traditional authorities for allegedly not being politically aligned, with threats made to
replace them with ZANU PF loyalists, interfering in the neutral operation of health services and violating principles of
community representation. Finally, in Gutu South, villagers were coerced into handing over maize by village heads and
paying US$5 in return for promises of land title deeds, with little transparency or due process, raising significant
concerns around land rights, forced payments, and abuse of public trust. Across all these incidents, a common thread
emerges: political power being leveraged to control access to services, punish dissent, and enforce conformity, often
with the complicity of local authorities and in violation of constitutional rights to participation, shelter, education, and
freedom from coercion.
Conclusion
In July, the human rights situation in Zimbabwe remained deeply concerning, as widespread violations continued to
undermine the dignity, agency, and security of citizens across all provinces. The data reveals a pattern of politically
motivated intimidation, coercion, restricted freedoms, and forced contributions that not only infringe upon basic rights but
also erode public trust in governance and deepen food insecurity. Of particular concern is the tolerated practice of
demanding grain, money, or allegiance in exchange for access to government support, a policy gap that risks
institutionalizing extortion and further marginalizing already vulnerable populations. While the commencement of the
Gukurahundi hearings signals a positive step towards reconciliation and healing, it must be underpinned by transparency,
genuine victim-centered engagement, reparative follow-through and truth-telling particularly on the part of the
perpetrators. The stark contrast between the promise of healing and the reality of regression in rights protection highlights
the urgent need for the government to align its actions with its constitutional and international human rights obligations.
Only through consistent accountability, inclusive policy reform, and respect for civic freedoms can Zimbabwe begin to
restore public confidence, promote justice, and achieve lasting peace. Civil society and community-based organizations
remain key actors in demanding and monitoring this change.
Report
Human Rights Violations
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