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Political violence report: July 2004 - Overview
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
September 22, 2004

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Overview
Zimbabwean citizens’ rights to assemble and associate freely with other persons and in particular to form or belong to political parties of their choice continues to be violated. Throughout July, victimisation of leaders and members of the opposition party persisted with politically motivated human rights violations during the month mainly related to campaigns being undertaken in preparation for the 2005 General Election. Events that occurred in Mvurwi (MAZOWE WEST constituency) and incidents reported in other parts of the country demonstrated the absence of a level electoral playing-field within the country 8 months ahead of the March 2005 election.

Movement for Democratic Change President, Morgan Tsvangirai; MDC National Chairperson, Isaac Matongo; MDC Deputy Secretary General, Gift Chimanikire; MDC National Women’s Organising Secretary, Emma Chimanikire; MP for Chitungwiza, Fidelis Mhashu; MP Mhashu’s driver, Samuel Mapingure and MDC Vice Chairperson for Mashonaland Central, Henry Chimbiri claim that about 200 ZANU PF youths wielding sticks, iron bars, stones, bricks, knobkerries and guns attacked and indiscriminately assaulted them and other party members at an MDC Mashonaland Central Provincial Assembly Meeting. In Mvurwi on 2 July 2004, Mhashu’s driver, Samuel Mapingure was allegedly seriously hurt in the incident. After the MDC executive from Harare had left the ZANU PF youths are alleged to have severely beaten up Biggie Chigonera, MDC Chairperson for Mashonaland Central province, before burning down his house and two vehicles - a Kombi and a Landcruiser.

Persons were also victimised in various ways for belonging to or supporting the MDC. GC attended the MDC Mashonaland Central Provincial Assembly meeting at Mvurwi Centre on 2 July 2004 and returned home to Guruve after the meeting. He claims that he was chased away from his home in Guruve by ZANU PF youths for having attended the meeting and has since fled to Harare. MM was allegedly assaulted by 3 ZANU PF youths in Hwedza (MASHONALAND EAST province) because she did not have a ZANU PF membership card. She was reportedly abducted and taken to a ZANU PF base in the area where she was further assaulted on allegations of supporting the MDC. In Guruve North (MASHONALAND CENTRAL province) ME purports that two truckloads of ZANU PF youths arrived at an undisclosed venue where she and other MDC members were having a meeting in preparation for the 2005 Parliamentary elections. The ZANU PF youths started chanting slogans singing revolutionary songs and threw stones at the victim and other MDC members attending the meeting. Two teargas canisters were allegedly fired into their midst. The victim reportedly fell trying to escape and sprained her right ankle.

Theresa Makone, the aspiring MDC candidate for Hwedza constituency (MASHONALAND EAST province) for the 2005 Parliamentary elections, was arrested and charged under POSA together with Francis Chikadaya, and Ewet Mukova, the NCA’s former regional deputy chairperson for Mashonaland East. It is alleged that the three organised and went on to hold a public meeting at Sanganai Business Centre in Hwedza without notifying the police as required under S24 (1) of POSA. The state alleges that Makoni promised the gathering of over 100 people that she and not the ZANU PF government was going to source food for them if there was any need to do so. Makoni reportedly denied the allegations, stating that she only attended the meeting because she had been invited by the NCA leadership. She also denied ever campaigning or delivering any speech at the meeting.

AGM, a teacher at Nyambiri School, Seke Constituency (MASHONALAND EAST province) was reportedly assaulted by ZANU PF supporters led by the ZANU PF District Chairman. He was also allegedly threatened with death and accused of supporting the MDC. The ZANU PF District Chairman reportedly assaulted AGM in the stomach and told him that he was no longer welcome in the area. The beatings allegedly lasted for approximately 30 minutes during which time the victim lost consciousness. AGM has since fled the area out of fear.

The Human Rights Forum condemns violence perpetrated against teachers in rural communities, particularly ahead of the March 2005 Parliamentary Election. Such incidents have been documented in isolation and with increasingly frequency in association with election campaigns.¹ Teachers have subsequently fled from their schools seeking refuge in urban centres.

Totals: 1 July 2004 - 31 July 2004

Cumulative Totals: 1 January 2004 - 31 July 2004

Visit the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum fact sheet

1 For detailed documented violence against and victimisation of teachers see Teaching Them a Lesson: A report on the attack on Zimbabwean Teachers, 20 September 2002 and Are They Accountable? Examining alleged violators and their violations pre and post the Presidential Election March 2002 by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum

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