12 October
Freedom of
Expression
*Rodrick Chinaka (MDC-T) was allegedly assaulted by suspected security agents at Hanzu Business Centre on
allegations of talking ill of President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF. Chinaka and friends were discussing the economic
challenges currently facing the country when the suspected agents approached them demanding to know what they
were talking about. Before they could answer, the agents started assaulting Chinaka with clenched fists.
20 October
Right to
Education
School children at Lydia Chimonyo, St Patricks and Mutambara High Schools were allegedly bussed from their
respective schools to a Zanu PF rally at Nhedziwa Growth Point ward 4 in Chimanimani West. The students were
made to attend a rally addressed by Vice President Mnangagwa, Oppah Muchinguri and Saviour Kasukuwere as they
drummed up support for Zanu PF candidate Nokuthula Matsikenyere ahead of a by-election. The students were
disrupted during school hours at a time when they are sitting for their final exams. The by election in Chimanimani
West has been necessitated by the expulsion of Munacho Mutezo from both government and Zanu PF.
27 October
Freedom of
Assembly
In Mutare Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Committee chairperson Jessie Majome and MDC-T Chief Whip and
Mutare Central MP, Innocent Gonese, were assaulted in a violent incident where Zanu PF youths, women and known
Members of Parliament disrupted a public hearing on electoral reforms. The public hearings were aimed at gathering
the views of the nation on the petition calling for the right to vote for all eligible voters, electoral justice, a continuous
process of voter education, independence of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and an improved voter
registration process.
Access to
Information
Mashonaland Central
The period under review witnessed freedom of association and freedom of expression as the most violated rights. There are numerous cases of intimidation
and harassment targeting supporters of the Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) and MDC-T.
Date
HR Violated
Provincial highlights
2 October
Freedom of
Association
Zanu PF youths, Peter Zifodya and Rodrick Jacha, were reportedly involved in a fist fight with *Felix Zisengwa and
threatening residents at Chiwaridzo Shopping Centre in Bindura North with unspecified action. The two are said to
have taken pictures of opposition supporters wearing their party regalia and promised to deal with them in 2018.
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