February 2018
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
West, Chimanimani East, Headlands and Mutasa
Central.
The right to personal security of the citizen in this
province during the month under consideration
registered a lot of violations. Assault cases,
intimidation and harassment were recorded in
Buhera at the burial of late MDC-T leader. There
was an arson attempt on Khupe, Mwonzora and
Bhebhe, when visibly intoxicated MDC-T youths
threatened to burn the hut the leaders had sought
refuge in. Khupe told journalists the rains
prevented the grass from catching fire. The other
threat to personal security which was recorded in
Chikanga/Dangamvura was intimidation after
legislator Esau Mupfumi threatened to unleash the
military on headmasters sending away children for
non-payment of fees. While the sending back
children for non payment of fees is a violation of
the right to education, the situation cannot be
addressed by unleashing the military. A case of
intra-party violence was also recorded in Nyanga
North between members of the opposition MDCT, which led to a fist-fight after they allegedly
failed to agree on the candidate to support in the
elections expected later this year.
Category of incident
Feb 2018
Jan 2018
Theft/looting
2
1
Discrimination
6
15
MDP
1
0
Intimidation/harassment
23
45
Assault
2
0
Banned Political Meeting
0
Threat level: Low
The major violations recorded were around socioeconomic and civil and political rights. Although
government has publicly rejected partisan
distribution of food and other aid including inputs,
political affiliation has determined one’s ability to
access food aid. Perceived opposition supporters
and those who do not attend or partake in ruling
party activities were denied food aid. Intimidation
was also prominent in communities as the demand
for voter’s serial numbers by Zanu PF activists
continued to violate the Electoral Act and section
156(c) of the constitution. Inter party clashes
between Zanu PF and MDC-T youths were
dominant as both parties clashed following the
death of Tsvangirai. A particular case was
reported in Mazowe central where MDC-T youths
threatened to assault Zanu PF youths who wanted
to block them celebrating the life of their leader.
Despite the alleged Operation Restore Legacy by
the military, in Zanu PF factional fights have been
reported between Lacoste and G40 (those opposed
to President Mnangagwa). Perceived G40 activists
have been victimised on accusations of sabotaging
ruling party activities in village wards.
Category of incident
Feb 2018
Jan 2018
Assault
1
1
Theft/looting
0
4
Discrimination
5
19
MDP
0
0
Intimidation/harassment
23
36
1
9