KEY VIOLATIONS
HATE-MOTIVATED VIOLENCE
In a grave and deeply concerning incident, a victim from Bulawayo Province lost her life following a brutal
mob assault carried out on the basis of allegations regarding her sexual orientation, representing a clear
case of hate-motivated violence and discrimination. The victim was transported to Mpilo Central Hospital
by police with extensive injuries consistent with severe physical assault, and medical staff reported
indications of possible sexual abuse prior to admission. She later succumbed to her injuries, amounting to a
serious violation of her right to life, personal security, and protection from torture and cruel, inhuman, or
degrading treatment. Prior to the attack, the victim had reportedly faced ongoing stigma and harassment
linked to her identity, reflecting persistent patterns of intolerance within the community. Further concern is
raised by the disappearance of her partner, who went missing days before the assault, suggesting possible
targeted violence against individuals based on real or perceived sexual orientation. This incident
constitutes multiple human rights violations, including breaches of the rights to life, dignity, equality, and
freedom from discrimination, contrary to Zimbabwe’s constitutional guarantees and international human
rights obligations. It underscores the urgent need for measures to prevent hate-driven violence, ensure
accountability, protect sexual minorities, and promote a culture of tolerance and respect for human rights.
DISPLACEMENTS
In the month of October, seven human rights violations were documented, primarily involving forced
displacements, as well as threats of violence, and unlawful arrests, with severe impacts on 16 affected
civilians (8 women and 8 men). In Chitungwiza Ward 24, suspected state agents repeatedly visited a
woman’s home, threatening violence and demanding to see her mother aknown opposition political activist,
resulting in both women being forced to leave their residence permanently in fear of violence and
victimisation. Similarly, in Seke Wards 5 and 17, traditional leaders and local actors collaborated with
ZANU-PF supporters to violate the property rights of women accused of supporting the opposition, with
parts of their land sold and threatened with removal, despite their permission to use the land under
communal frameworks. In Gokwe South, civilians, including three women and two men, are on the verge of
being evicted by a Chinese company claiming authorisation from the Office of President to conduct coal
mining activities, causing direct displacement and loss of livelihoods. In Epworth Ward 6, ZANU-PF
supporters caused the dismissal of five men from their workplace and threatened them with evictions from
their homes. The five were later arrested and accused of misconduct, illustrating the intersection of
political affiliation and arbitrary detention. These violations demonstrate a troubling pattern of politically
motivated displacement, unlawful interference in private property ownership, and the use of threats and
coercion, affecting vulnerable populations across the country.
Report
Human Rights Violations
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