KEY VIOLATIONS
RIGHT TO PERSONAL SECURITY
In January, eight violations related to the right to personal security were documented, largely linked to
politically motivated violence sustained by a culture of impunity. These incidents constitute violations of the
rights to security of person, freedom of association, freedom of expression, and equal protection before the
law. In Ward 14, Zhombe Constituency, a male victim was assaulted by a ZANU PF youth leader at Mkonto
Village after demanding transparency and accountability in the distribution of agricultural inputs. Although the
matter was reported to the police and the perpetrator was convicted and sentenced to community service,
political pressure from party affiliates interfered with enforcement of the sentence resulting in the perpetrator
not serving his sentence, thus undermining the rule of law. In Nyanga South, a ZANU PF youth group disrupted a
community meeting in Ward 15 and attacked a volunteer working with a non-governmental organisation
supporting young girls. The attack appeared aimed at seizing community resources and discrediting the
volunteer’s political loyalty. Following the incident, the victim was arrested for public violence after attempting
to defend himself and was fined USD 50, while alleged perpetrators faced no immediate consequences. Such
selective application of the law increases vulnerability for community-based actors. In Chitungwiza South, a
victim was assaulted by members of the ruling party for wearing clothing associated with the opposition party
leader Nelson Chamisa signalling ongoing political intolerance and violating rights to freedom of expression,
political participation, and personal security.
Additional incidents indicate a pattern where individuals invoke ruling party affiliation to intimidate and
commit acts of violence. In Chikanga-Dangamvura, a ruling party youth member, Douglas Kajayi, and
associates assaulted a victim during a dispute at a public entertainment area while asserting political
dominance. Delays or failure by law enforcement to make timely arrests in such cases further entrenches
impunity, reduces trust in state protection mechanisms, and increases the risk of continued victimisation.
Overall, these cases demonstrate how political influence, selective law enforcement, and weak accountability
mechanisms enable human rights violations, restrict civic space, and perpetuate fear within affected
communities.
February Human Rights Violations
0
10
20
Threats of violence
24
Restricted freedom of assembly & association
24
19
Restricted access to social services
Other
10
Assault
8
Unfair distribution of government support
8
Restricted freedom of expression
5
Unjustified arrests
5
Displacement
MDP
Report
Human Rights Violations
4
2
0774883417 0774883406
4