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Report on a survey on torture and violence in Zimbabwe
Centre for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (CERETOV)
August 04, 2004

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Executive Summary
This study reveals the prevalence of systematic violence targetted mainly at opposition supporters. The tradgedy of the situation is not only that a culture of violence is developing in our polity but also that the law enforcement agents turn a blind eye to it. However there is hope for the future in that there is the feeling that torturers can be rehabilitated back into their communities. While CERETOV is not yet well known, the consensus is that it is a vital organization in the fight to rid Zimbabwe of the scourge that is political violence. Society is expecting a lot from CERETOV. CERETOV must therefore be well poised to meet that expectation.

Conclusions and recommendations

1. Violence and torture are prevalent in Zimbabwe. Authorities cannot turn a blind eye to this scourge on Zimbabwe’s landscape. Intervention strategies ought to be formulated so that this problem can be dealt with and be exterminated.
2. The law enforcement agencies in this country have been implicated not only in terms of perpertrating violence themselves but also in "folding their hands" when it comes to assisting victims of violence and torture. A professional, non-partisan approach is required as this will go a long way in restoring public confidence in the law enforcement agencies.
3. The violence and torture appears systemic and planned. This culture in the conduct of public affairs in Zimbabwe should be done away with.
4. Respondents are hopeful that violence and torture can be brought to an end. However deep seated emotions exist. Respondents do not want the perpertrators to be forgiven and accepted back into society. This state of affairs calls for a strategy along the lines of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa.
5. Awareness concerning CERETOV-Zimbabwe is still limited. It is incumbent upon the organization to market itself and make itself more visible not only to victims of violence and torture but to the country as a whole. People should be aware of what CERETOV has to offer. In the long run this will call for the establishment of provincial and perhaps even district offices to ensure easier accessibility.
6. CERETOV-Zimbabwe should equip itself in accordance with the needs espoused by the respondents. CERETOV-Zimbabwe should be in a position to offer medical and counselling services. Considering the responses from the respondents it may be necessary to set up special clinics where non-partisan medical attention will be provided. In addition there is a need to provide safe havens for victims of violence and torture.

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