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Political Violence Report January 2004 - Overview
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
March 01, 2004

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Overview
Victimisation and intimidation on the basis of one's political affiliation continue to be commonplace in Zimbabwe. Leaders of political parties and high level Government officials have failed to encourage tolerance amongst their supporters. Instead, statements have been made that overtly foster prejudices and violate the right to freedom of association. In Gutu North (MASVINGO PROVINCE), Vice President, Joseph Msika was reported as having labelled MDC supporters as "sell-outs, sponsored stooges and anti-revolutionaries" addressed villagers at Zvavahera Business Centre.¹ Ngoni Mudzamiri asserts that he was abducted from Matizha Shopping Centre in Gutu North by ZANU PF youths in a truck. He was reportedly hauled into the back of the truck, driven around the constituency and beaten all over the body along the way. He alleges that the assailants later took him to Mupandawana where he was beaten until he fell unconscious. He was apparently attacked because he was wearing a MDC t-shirt. HK, MDC Murehwa South District Coordinator, and his brother AK, allege that there were attacked at home by ZANU PF youths on the basis of their political affiliation with the MDC. The youths were reportedly moving about in a truck with the inscription "ZANU PF MASHONALAND EAST".

The Human Rights Forum condemns the lack of any concerted effort on the part of Zimbabwean political parties to dissuade their members and/ supporters from engaging in acts of violence against each other on the basis of opposing political opinions. Furthermore we view the making of statements that fan violence by political leaders as unacceptable in a democratic society.

Violence broke out in Shamva constituency (MASHONALAND CENTRAL PROVINCE) where several MDC supporters were reportedly beaten by ZANU PF youths for being supporters of the MDC. Some were seriously injured while Alexander Chigega reportedly died of the injuries he sustained in an assault on 4 January 2004. Chigega was reportedly attacked by a gang of about 30 ZANU PF supporters while he was at home in Chief Mutumba's Village, Madziva. The youths, who are alleged to have been on a rampage against MDC supporters in the area, arrived at the victim's house, called him out and threatened to burn the house. His wife asserts that the youths attacked Chigega with stones, dragged him out of the house, and then beaten him on the back with logs. When she tried to shield him, she claims she was also beaten by the youths and she fell to the ground. Chigega died on the way to the hospital as he was being ferried there by a relative. Chigega's wife identified Ogi Munetsi, Milton Kande, Harrison Zuze, Munyaradzi Chigega, Never Chigega and Mrs. Mishamiviri, all from their village, as being amongst the perpetrators. There have reportedly been no arrests to date. Two of the perpetrators, Never Chigega and Mrs Mishamiviri, were also named as perpetrators in incidents of political violence in the run up to the Presidential Elections of March 2002². They appear to continue to be involved in incidents of political violence without consequence.

On 10 January 2004, the editor, Iden Wetherall, editor, Vincent Kahiya and chief reporter Dumisani Muleya of the Zimbabwe Independent, a weekly newspaper, were arrested and detained for two nights by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The three subsequently appeared before a Harare magistrate charged with criminal defamation for reporting that the President had commandeered a plane from the national airline to travel to the Far East on personal business. The fact that the plane had carried the President to the Far East was not disputed, however the trio were arrested for having used the word "commandeered" in their story. They were released on ZW$20 000 bail each. These arrests exemplify the limitations to freedom of expression that prevail in Zimbabwe today.

In Gutu North, Crispa Musoni, the MDC candidate for the constituency, alleged that he was unable to conduct a campaign without hindrance. Musoni was reportedly denied police clearance to hold rallies and alleged that those who were associated with his campaign were subsequently tracked down for purposes of retribution. The Human Rights Forum notes with concern the failure by the responsible authorities to ensure an environment in which the opposition would be able to campaign meaningfully. In contrast the ruling party, ZANU PF, candidate was reportedly able to campaign without interference throughout Gutu North.

It is imperative that an equal playing field be accorded to all candidates in future elections in Zimbabwe if the Government is committed to move towards the holding free and fair elections.

Totals 1 January 2004 - 31 January 2004

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

AIPPA - Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act
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
ZCTU - Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions
ZNA – Zimbabwe National Army
ZNLWVA – Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association
ZPS - Zimbabwe Prison Service
ZRP – Zimbabwe Republic Police
ZIMTA – Zimbabwe Teachers Association
ZUPCO – Zimbabwe United Passenger Company

1 The statement by Vice President, Joseph Msika was televised on ZBC TV. See Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe, Weekly Media Update # 2004-4
2 see Are They Accountable: Examining alleged violators and their violations pre and post the Presidential Election March 2002 a report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum pg 56-57

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