October MMR
KEY VIOLATIONS
HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION
In October, ZPP documented 74 threats of violence, 1
different incident documented in Chivi, a headman also
abduction, 1 unjustified arrest, an incident of torture
experienced harassment from Mr. Tyeni, District Development
and 9 violations of assault. Threats of violence
Coordinator Chivi, and Mr. Njini, a Councilor for Ward 8 for
typically involve explicit or implicit warnings of
questioning instructions on the planned changes in payment
physical harm or danger and the increase of such
of Rural Development Fund.The victim highlighted that paying
violations is a reminder of an urgent need to address
the fund per head instead of per household would make
such
and
people’s lives more difficult, which not please the councilor
intimidation are pervasive issues in Zimbabwe,
and the DDC. The perpetrators then instigated youths to
particularly in rural areas, where they significantly
physically assault the victim and threatened to commission an
contribute to the denial of human rights. These
investigation on his conduct which would potentially see him
unlawful
by
being stripped of his headman position and losing all
individuals in positions of power, including traditional
government supported benefits. Such fear instilling tactics
leaders (i.e chiefs and village heads) and law
may further silence any dissent and curtail the enjoyment of
enforcement officials, and are frequently used to
freedom of expression among citizens.
human
rights
practices
abuses.
are
Harassment
often
perpetrated
silence political opponents. In Buhera South, for
Threats of violence, harassment, and intimidation have been
instance, a village head, Ernest Muzokomba, and a
used to suppress political opposition and silence human rights
local councillor, Denmore Maweni, threatened a male
activists. In Headlands for example, a candidate for Ward 38
victim for commenting on unfair food aid distribution
local
on Change Radio, a news channel aligned with the
harassment from ZANU PF supporters. In one of the incidents
Citizens Coalition for Change. Despite the victim's
near Lawrencedale Primary School, the perpetrators accused
denial, the village head insisted on punishment,
the victim of taking pictures, forcibly took his phone, searched
further suppressing freedom of expression. The victim
him and physically harassed him before he was let go. Such
was also threatened with exclusion from government-
tactics can have a chilling effect on free speech and
sponsored aid programs. This blatant intimidation
assembly, undermining democratic processes.
suppresses freedom of expression and assembly,
To combat harassment and intimidation, the Zimbabwe Peace
guaranteed by Zimbabwe's Constitution. This is a
Project recommends that the Zimbabwe Republic Police, all
concerning
significant
state and non-state institutions mandated to fulfil, promote
influence traditional leaders wield in rural areas,
and protect human rights investigate and prosecute all
where 67% of Zimbabwe's population resides In a
perpetrators.
development,
given
the
0
20
40
Restrictred Freedom of Expression
reported
intimidation
and
60
22
19
Restricted access to social services
Restricted freedom of assembly
17
Unfair distribution of food aid
13
Malicious Damage of Property
12
Hate speech
11
Assault
9
Inhuman treatment
9
Report
Human Rights Violations
by-election
74
Threats of Violence
Unjustified arrests
authority
OCTOBER VIOLATIONS
6
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