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Political Violence Report - March 2004
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
May 06, 2004

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Overview
Inter-party violence prevailed throughout the campaign period or the Zengeza by-election held from 27-28 March 2004. Seventy-five percent of the politically motivated assaults that were perpetrated in March 2004 occurred in Zengeza constituency during the campaign period. There are allegations that Christopher Chigumba (ZANU PF candidate, Zengeza by-election). was involved in intimidation of MDC supporters. CT, the MDC Chairperson, Ward 20, in Zengeza was reportedly visited at his home by ZANU PF supporters who had earlier attacked his home in the company of two senior officials from the ruling party, ZANU PF, and Christopher Chigumba. There were also several reports of attacks on the home of James Makore (MDC candidate, Zengeza by-election).

Incidents of assault have been indiscriminate with several reports of assaults of elderly persons over the age of 60. Three pregnant women were reportedly assaulted in March 2004. WC, who was four months pregnant, was allegedly assaulted by some ZANU PF youths based at the home of a Mrs Hungwe (the ZANU PF Women’s Leader in the area). The youths reportedly assaulted her with a chain on her back, buttocks and legs and also broke her arm as she was trying to shield her face from a blow and protect her stomach.

JN, who was one month pregnant at the time was reportedly assaulted by ZANU PF supporters in Zengeza. She was allegedly kicked with booted feet in the stomach and subsequently began to bleed. She claims that she was beaten on the left side of her head, thighs and buttocks with a hosepipe and her left eye was also injured during the beating. She received treatment for the injuries including treatment for the genital tract bleeding. She is now complaining of pain in the lower abdomen and the genital tract bleeding. It is further alleged that riot police were involved in the assault of a woman in Zengeza who was nine-months pregnant. This assault of this woman, with a pregnancy that was undoubtedly visible, is highly condemned.

PT and approximately ten other women, were distributing fliers for the MDC in Zengeza prior to the by-election when a mob of ZANU PF reportedly started throwing missiles and stones at them. The women who were accompanied by MDC youths, retaliated by attacking the ZANU PF supporters. The police came and stopped the skirmishes but then started to beat up the MDC women using baton sticks. They also threw teargas canisters at the women. PT, who was nine months pregnant at the time, had her lips injured and four teeth broken during the assault.

Widely reported incidents of violence in Zengeza eliminated prospects for a peaceful electoral environment in the constituency prior to the election. The murder of Francis Chonozvina on the morning of the second day of polling also undoubtedly had an effect on the voting process and most likely induced a climate of fear amongst the electorate. The events that transpired in Zengeza in March raise serious doubts regarding the possibility of free, fair and violence-free elections in the Parliamentary Elections planned for March 2005.

Totals: 1 March 2004 - 31 March 2004

Cumulative Totals: 1 January 2004 - 31 March 2004

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