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Monthly Monitoring Report: August 2005
Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP)
September 23, 2005

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Executive Summary
There have been reduced incidences of politically motivated violence, according to the Zimbabwe Peace Project's monitoring system as compared to the two previous months, which were mainly characterised by cases involving the controversial 'clean up' campaign throughout the country.

However, we note with concern, the alleged cases of the perpetration of human rights abuses by state arms, particularly the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), the army and in some cases, the police.

According to reports from Mashonaland East, particularly around the Marondera area, the CIO has been reportedly involved in politically motivated breaches of peace. For example, it was reported in Marondera East on 25 July that suspected CIO details allegedly kidnapped SS, an MDC activist along Chikomo Drive before torturing the said victim. In the same connection, the suspected CIO led by M allegedly tortured JC, the MDC Marondera district chairperson on 30 July.

In a disturbing occurrence in Murewa North on 1 August, eight police officers of Murewa police station allegedly beat to death an MDC activist MC at Whispers night club in Murewa Centre. It was alleged that two others FM and RM were also beaten in the process.

Displacements reportedly continued in the province. On 30 July at Home Park farm near Marondera, JS and his family were allegedly displaced by four Zanu PF youths led by war veteran S who accused the victims of supporting the MDC. In Harare, cases involving MDC supporters as perpetrators have also been reported. In Mufakose on the 18th of August, it was reported that JM, a Zanu PF supporter was assaulted by MDC supporters led by SS and CG ostensibly for wearing a ruling party t-shirt.

The southern region also recorded cases of human rights abuses involving the state agents. In Bulawayo's Pumula-Luveve constituency, it was reported on 14 August that suspected members of the army allegedly assaulted LM an MDC supporter after he refused to divulge information about the candidate he voted for during the mayoral election.

The ZPP continues to call upon political parties and other groups to adhere to the laws of the country by refraining from violence of whatever kind. It is our firm belief that leaders of rival political parties should call upon their supporters to shun violence. We also urge law enforcement agents to conduct their duty without bias and in accordance with the laws of the country.

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