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ZESN observers flee homes as violence escalates - Mt Darwin East
Zimbabwe Election Support Network
May 14, 2008

ZESN observers in Mt Darwin East, Mutyandaedza Village, are under siege from suspected ZANU PF supporters for allegedly facilitating an MDC victory in the March 2008 harmonized election. The observers have been in hiding in the hills and the bush since the attacks began on Sunday the 11th of May 2008 and have had to walk long distances to find transport to seek refuge in Harare and other places.

The attacks are reported to have begun on Sunday afternoon after having been instigated by one headman, Antony Jongwe and Viola Muchenje, a District Chairperson for ZANU PF in the area and other war veterans. The attacks involved harassing, assaulting observers and their relatives, vandalising homes of observers, looting of their property including school uniforms, blankets and food reserves. However four observers and two of their relatives sustained serious injuries as a result of the attacks. The six have been hospitalized and their conditions are said to be serious but stable.

ZESN commends the police for moving into the village on Monday even though such an intervention would have been more effective had it been timely. While such efforts by the police are commendable, the fact that perpetrators of such levels of violence and looting of property are yet to be arrested and brought before the law when there are witnesses who can identify their assailants leaves a lot to be desired.

In another distressing case, a relative of a ZESN observer died after he was beaten by suspected ZANU PF supporters in Mt Darwin East. The observer had fled the village after his home was burnt down.

Seriousness on the part of the police in the quest for promoting non-violence can only be reflected in the arrests of perpetrators and discharge of police duties in a professional and non partisan manner.

The immediate arrest and investigation of known perpetrators of violence and abuse of human rights is of paramount importance if the cycle of violence is to be broken.

ZESN reiterates its appeal to the police to guarantee the protection and safety of all accredited observers in the country.

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