March 2019
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
district election processes. Youths affiliated to the Secretary General Douglas
Mwonzora and those sympathetic to the party President Advocate Nelson Chamisa
have often clashed resulting in some elections being postponed. For example on 22
March chaotic scenes were reported during the MDC ward elections in ward 19
Chitungwiza North at the late Mayor Alderman Phillimon Chipiyo‘s residence.
Verbal altercations were reported between the Chamisa and Mwonzora factions
as they failed to reach consensus on the venue to conduct the elections . The
ward elections were then postponed following the conflict. On Saturday 30 March
2019 MDC supporters convened at Councillor Magadzire’s homestead in ward 16,
Unit J Chitungwiza for a district election process for candidates who would contest at
the elective congress. Chitungwiza Provincial MDC Youth Chairperson Jabulani
Mthunzi who is also Zengeza East ward 15 Councillor clashed with Zengeza East
Legislator, Goodrich Chimbaira on the procedure of the elections. This resulted in
violent skirmishes in which Mthunzi was assaulted by party youths affiliated to
Chimbaira and was hit by Chimbaira’s vehicle. He was rushed to hospital for
treatment.
Fuel queues have resurfaced in many cities and towns as fuel is in short supply. In
March petrol prices increased from $3.31 to $3.37 and diesel from $3.11 to $3.19.
The shortages have hard hit the commuting public as the subsidised transport
arrangement of ZUPCO and other buses is slowly disappearing leaving commuters
stranded and vulnerable to abuse by commuter omnibuses and private players that
hike fares as it suits them. In Harare fares have hiked by between 50 cents and $1.
Health sector implosion- In March Senior Doctors downed tools citing poor working
conditions, lack of drugs and sundries and poor remuneration.
In a televised
broadcast on ZBC TV, the head of Parirenyatwa paediatrics division Dr Azza
Mashumba broke down in tears as she emotionally pleaded for help for the institution.
Dr Mashumba said, “We get into theatre, I am ready to receive the baby but I am
given a still birth”. She further cited that there was no urgency, no priority and
listening ear from the government. The doctor’s tears indicate the depth of the health
issue and how it affects women. A dysfunctional health delivery system increases the
burden of care on women as they will then have to take up the role of primary health
care giving.
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