KEY VIOLATIONS
THREATS OF VIOLENCE UNDERMINING HUMAN DIGNITY AND
COMMUNITY’S SECURITY
In the month of July, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) documented 24 violations related to threats of
violence, reflecting a trend of political intimidation used to silence dissent and suppress fundamental
freedoms. The violations affected 929 people (475 women, 454 men with 14 PWDs). These violations not only
undermine the right to personal security but also threaten freedom of opinion, expression, and political
participation, which are foundational to democratic engagement and human dignity.
In Mutoko South, Ward 26, a political gathering convened by Peter Dovi, a ruling party official, created an
atmosphere of terror among local residents. During the meeting, held on 4 July 2025 at Hoyuyu Mangondo,
attendees were threatened with beheading should they support Blessed Geza or any opposition party.Blessed
Geza is a former ZANU PF leader popular for criticising the extension of President Mnangagwa’s rule beyond
2028.. The assertion that the ward "belongs" to the ruling party sent a clear message that political diversity is
not tolerated, further shrinking civic space in rural areas. A similar incident took place in Murewa North, Ward 8,
at Maziyanike School, where ZANU PF local leader Wesley Munetsi openly declared that supporters of Blessed
Geza should be expelled from the country. By suggesting that such individuals should "go and live in South
Africa," the statement threatens not only their right to political opinion and participation but also their right to
belong and reside in their own country without discrimination. The message targeted around 35 attendees,
many of whom were left feeling unsafe in their own communities.
In Lower Gwelo, in Midlands Province, a humiliating and threatening incident occurred at a village meeting
where a man was singled out and ordered to chant a political slogan against his will. The village head, Mehluli
Gumbo, publicly accused him of supporting the opposition and threatened him in front of fellow villagers.
Upon the man’s refusal to comply, the leader declared his intent to "deal with" him, leaving him in a state of
constant fear and psychological distress. This act constituted both a violation of personal dignity and an abuse
of traditional authority, used to coerce conformity and discourage political plurality. In Mutare North’s Ward 10,
community members faced intimidation and threats over a land dispute, after their agricultural fields were
used as a truck route for mining-related road traffic without the landowners’ consent. A delegation acting on
behalf of Chief Marange forcibly intervened, threatening one family for publicly raising concerns about their
land rights. The unauthorized use of the family fields, enforced by threats and delegations with no legitimate
consent from the community, demonstrates how traditional and political power is being misused to suppress
community voices, and prioritize elite interests.
These violations, whether through verbal threats, forced political compliance, or disregard for land rights, have
a profound impact on individuals and communities. They erode trust in leadership, foster a culture of fear, and
violate multiple rights enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and international human rights law, including
the freedom of conscience, association, and security of the person.
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