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Political Violence Report September 2003 - Overview
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
October 23, 2003

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Overview
ln September 2003, politically motivated violence was largely perpetrated in the follow up to the Urban Council Elections held on 30/31 August 2003. There were reports that civilians were victimised and intimidated, based on the victory of either the opposition MDC or the ruling ZANU PF in the Elections. For example, EM, DN, and TM, MDC supporters from Chitungwiza (HARARE PROVINCE) were reportedly assaulted by Zanu PF youths at their homes. The assailants were purportedly.celebrating the ZANU PF victory in the Urban Council Elections. They allegedly forced TM to chant the ZANU PF slogan and attacked the other two with clenched fists and booted feet. In Mutare Central (MANICALAND PROVINCE), Cecilia Gambe (former ZANU PF Councillor), asserts that Pamela, Fungai, Billiard, Gertrude Sithole, Fortune Chishakwe, John Manikai, James Manikai, Alice Manikai, and a Mrs Manikai of the opposition MDC stoned her home, injured her on the head and destroyed property worth about Z$600 000 following the victory of the opposition MDC in the Urban Council Elections. In Mutare Central, Cyril Nzero, MDC Councillor elect, claims that ZRP officers arrested him when he had gone to visit the nine MDC supporters who were arrested and detained by the police at Chisamba Police Station, on allegations of stoning the home of Cecilia Gambe.

Another violation that continues to be perpetrated is that of freedom of association/ expression. Political party supporters and private individuals have continued to victimise civilians in an effort to force them to desist from supporting political parties of their choice. In Marondera East/ West (MASHONALAND EAST), PS was purportedly kicked in the lower abdomen and face, and then had her suitcase, cash and some MDC membership forms confiscated by Isidore Kambiti and a group of Zanu (PF) supporters. She was waiting for transport at a bus stop. MT of Mbare (HARARE PROVINCE) alleges that ZANU PF supporters threatened him with death, assaulted him, and then displaced him from his home because he was supposed to testify in a case in which they had assaulted one Alfred Horomba. In the same area, ZANU PF supporters are said to have displaced FS because he supports the opposition MDC. AT, MDC polling agent for Mashonaland East Ward 11 in the August 2003 Urban Council Elections, fled from his home fearing for his life following threats from the ZANU PF supporters, to 'deal with him accordingly'.

In Gutu North/ South (MASVINGO PROVINCE), it is reported that some CIO operatives took AR from his workplace to the police station, accusing him of hoarding cash and sabotaging the Zimbabwean economy. He claims that he was ordered to undress, chew his underwear, howl like a dog, and was then assaulted under the feet with baton sticks. The victim asserts that he was then driven and dumped at a place about 10km out of Gutu. In Mufakose (HARARE PROVINCE), SN claims that his neighbour, a soldier, burst into his house and accused him of 'talking about the MDC'. He allegedly slapped SN three times across the face and then called upon a group of 6 policemen and 2 Zanu PF youths, whom he purports falsely accused him of insulting the President. The victim was arrested and taken to Machipisa Police Station where he was assaulted with baton sticks on his back, legs and head.

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum condemns the pervasive levels of inter-party political violence that continue to be recorded. Inter-party violence, sustained by lack of political tolerance and at times encouraged by statements made by party officials, has been prevalent in Zimbabwe since early 2000. The Human Rights Forum considers it the duty of the respective political parties in Zimbabwe to restrain their supporters from perpetrating violence against persons who support divergent political parties or persons who chose to be apolitical.

Totals 1 September 2003 – 30 September 2003

Sources: The information contained in the monthly violence reports is derived from statements made to the Legal Unit of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum, CFU reports, newspaper reports, and statements taken by the member organisations of the Human Rights Forum.

Note to the tables

Torture:
All cases of torture fall under the definition of torture according to the general definition given in the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment.

The four elements of torture are:

1. Severe pain and suffering, whether physical or mental
2. Intentionally inflicted
3. With a purpose
4. By a state official or another individual acting with the acquiescence of the State.

Those individuals referred to in point # 4 include the ZRP, ZNA, ZPS and the ZNLWVA (as a reserve force of the ZNA) and by any other grouping when directly sanctioned by the state.

Unlawful arrest and detention:

Arrest by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) with no reasonable suspicion that an offence has been committed. Detention thereafter for a period exceeding 48 hours without access to redress through the courts or subsequent release without charge.

Abduction/kidnapping:

A kidnapping by a member(s) of an organised group that is not the ZRP organisation. political party, ZNLWVA, ZNA, MDC, Zanu PF etc

Disappearance:

Kidnapped persons whose whereabouts remained unknown at the time of reporting. Their whereabouts have still to be ascertained through follow –up reports or further investigation.

Property related

These are incidents in which property rights have been violated. This includes arson, property damage and destruction and theft.

Key Abbreviations

CIO – Central Intelligence Organisation
MDC – Movement for Democratic Change
MP – Member of Parliament
NAGG - National Alliance for Good Governance
NCA – National Constitutional Assembly
OVT – Organised Violence and Torture
POSA – Public Order and Security Act
PTUZ – Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe
UMP – Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe
Zanu PF – Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front
ZNA – Zimbabwe National Army
ZNLWVA – Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association
ZRP – Zimbabwe Republic Police
ZIMTA – Zimbabwe Teachers Association
ZUPCO – Zimbabwe United Passenger Company

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