Monthly Monitoring Report
January 2024
Provincial Outlook
Matebeleland South
Bulawayo
The province recorded a shrinking of operating space for Civil
Society Organizations (CSOs) as the local District
Development Coordinator identified as Mr. Jusa barred all
CSOs from operating in the district. In Filabusi Centre of
Insiza South, it was reported that members of Forever
Associate of Zimbabwe (FAZ) identified as Comfort
Zvandasara and Sindiso Siwela were threatening to punish
election observers and opposition agents from accusing them
of pushing for regime change. They made it clear that they
were monitoring anyone who had been an observer. The same
intolerance was witnessed at ward 5 Zezani village of
Beitbridge West it was reported that Darlington Muleya of
ZANU PF was going around intimidating villagers that they
should support ZANU PF, or risk being beaten. Muleya further
stated that everyone in the village or ward must join the ruling
party and appear in the cell group exercise record to live and
survive while accessing government amenities. In Gwanda
District, an estimated 300 villagers were evicted from their
homes in Nyandeni village on 19 January. The villagers were
ferried to an unidentified camp in two haulage trucks, where
they are being processed by the police while awaiting court
trials. They are being accused of illegally occupying state
land. Meanwhile, the villagers have not been allocated any
proper housing, and the accommodation facilities are limited
at the camp.
There was increased political intolerance in
the province following factional fights within
the Citizens Coalition for Change party. The
period
preceding
by-elections
was
characterized by assaults, hate speech, and
electoral
malpractices.
In
Phelandaba-
Tshabalala, Gilbert Mangena assaulted a
victim, who blamed Nelson Chamisa for
sidelining
senior
party
members
and
accommodating newcomers. The victim was
assaulted
for
suggesting
that
Chamisa
never listened to anyone. A victim who is a
member of the Sengezo Tshabangu faction
was nearly beaten up by members of the
public for leading a division within the party.
Ndabazinhle Maseko, was seen tearing up
posters for Joseph Tshuma, a ZANU PF
candidate in the February 3 by-elections.
Tearing
of
campaign
material
for
an
opponent violates the Electoral Act and
practice.
In Matabeleland North Province, ZANU PF has been accused of threatening citizens'
political rights and freedom of assembly and association. An activist, Reeds Dube,
Matebeleland
North
allegedly told citizens that anyone wearing CCC regalia would be beaten up and
removed from the food aid beneficiary list. Dube also allegedly told the gathering that
anyone supporting Nelson Chamisa would be removed from the food aid beneficiary
list. In Mvundlana ward 13, seven people led by Ntandoyenkosi Mlotshwa of an
unknown political persuasion forced a victim to remove his ZANU PF regalia, citing the
party's tarnishing of the country’s image. The victim was stripped of his dignity and
forced to walk kilometers without wearing his t-shirt and fearing for his life.
ZPP recorded violations of rights to freedom of association, political rights, and access
to adequate food. ZANU PF chairman Nhlanhla Dube deprived two female victims of
Midlands
their allocation in the presidential input program. In Nemangwe a kraal head was
recalled from his duty based on allegations that he was campaigning for Nelson
Chamisa. Masara Mafukidzanwa a ZANU PF councilor announced the recall saying the
victim was a sellout. In Charandura ward 8, William Gondo told villagers that opposition
parties, including the Citizen Coalition for Change, were no longer eligible for food aid.
Gondo remarked that they could complain to police officers or anyone about their
deprivation, but nothing would be done.
8