Executive Summary
The predominant cases highlighted in our May report evolve around the “One Million Man March” that
was organised in Harare on the 25th of May 2016 by the youth wing of the ruling Zanu PF party.
Reports from Umzingwane across to Zvimba will prove that the mobilization of marchers across the
country was fraught with intimidation, threats and harassment. In most cases villagers were threatened
that their participation in the march will determine if they access humanitarian aid programmes. Reports
received also indicated that some youths mostly in Harare took advantage of the mobilization process
to demand and extort money from vendors and ordinary citizens. On the day of the march some
vendors mainly from Chitungwiza and Harare were forced to close their businesses and participate in
the march. The use of land as a tool of political patronage is increasingly becoming common in urban
areas. Reports received from Bulawayo and Harare indicate that Zanu PF is allocating and promising
land to its supporters and this can be construed as a way of rewarding its supporters and as an
incentive for them to keep working for the party.
The May report highlights a growing and disturbing trend of discrimination in the distribution of food aid
based on political affiliation. Food aid is increasingly being used by Zanu PF leaders and activists to
repress political opponents and reward supporters. Those discriminated against include Movement for
Democratic Change supporters as well as supporters or suspected supporters of Zimbabwe People
First (ZimPF). Reports received from Masvingo and Manicaland provinces indicate the involvement of
the military in food aid distribution. For instance, on 14 May in Maguta village ward 12 Chipinge East,
two army trucks, brought food aid to the village and the distribution of food was led by military
personnel. A similar case was reported in Bikita East on 25 May in Pfumbidzai and Muvavarirwa
villages ward 17 when five army lorries were seen carrying and offloading bags of maize destined for
the ward. Political intolerance continues to manifest itself across the country. In May three politically
related arson cases were reported in Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces. To demonstrate
the pervasive nature of the violence, the victims in the reported cases belong to Zanu PF, MDC-T and
ZimPF. The victims had their houses razed to the ground.
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