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Violence escalates countrywide
Zimbabwe Peace Project
May 19, 2008

Mashonaland Central
Appalling cases of politically motivated violence were recorded in Shamva North. One Sam Kahari (70) also known as Headman Madzivanzira was on the night of May 11, fatally assaulted. His assailants are known and were led by two individuals (names supplied) who were clad in camouflage and armed with guns. It is reported that Sam Kahari was axed and sustained deep cuts on the head and later died of the injuries on the same night.

Meanwhile, his wife Erica Numbe was also axed on the forehead and sustained a deep cut and is currently hospitalized. The perpetrators are said to have burnt down his hut and the granary with food stocks leaving the family without food. Three of the deceased's beasts (cattle) were also stolen on the same night. The deceased's family is now leaving in fear. Ken Kahari the firstborn son has since fled from home fearing further persecution as the perpetrators continue to visit the deceased's homestead armed with guns chasing the family away. The case is said to have been reported to the police but nothing materialized.

On May 16 2008, ZPP received two murder reports with one involving Edson Zaya and another involving Besta Bakari. Edson Zaya died as a result of grave assaults inflicted by alleged Zanu PF youths, led by armed war veterans (names supplied). The incident occurred at Chidembo Shopping Centre in Shamva North. The deceased also suffered human bites all over his body. Police at Madziva have since apprehended the perpetrators. Besta Bakari of Stodart Farm in Shamva South was also beaten to death by youth militia whose names were not yet known at the time of the report.

Seven families including Kenneth Kahari, Standro Ngulube, Ishmael Ngwenya, Shadreck Ngulube, Timothy Ngwenya in Shamva South were displaced from their homes from the 11th to the 13th of May 2008 as they had their houses burnt down by youth militia led four people whose names are available. The torture gangs were led by two people (names supplied) who were clad in army combat and armed with guns intimidating people. The displaced families are in need of basic stuff such as food, clothing and shelter. Among the displaced are 50 children and a further 200 families who need food and blankets.

In yet another case, the same torture gang leaders are also said to have raped a woman name not known in Kajinga village in Shamva North. They are reported to have had ordered the woman and her husband to come out of their house and gang raped his wife in his full view. The husband was subsequently severely assaulted and suffered broken limbs.

Meanwhile, seven people are reported to be in a serious condition at Mt Darwin Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in politically motivated violence that rocked the area on May 17. Those visited in the hospital by ZPP could not release their names for fear of further victimization because they were being watched by the perpetrators.

It is reported that on Sunday 18th May, Fanuel Mubaira, Taurai Chipunza, Luke Muunganirwa, Edmore Chitabura, Vimbai Chichera, Wilbor Nyatsanga and Wellington Honzeri, were kidnapped and taken to Sanye base where they were tortured for supporting the MDC. The victims were released on Monday the 19th and Fanuel Mubaira (±60) died on the way while others were badly injured. Three victims Edmore, Vimbai and Wilbor are said to be in a critical condition while the other three were recovering at home. The victims are in need of medical attention as they are at their homes. The perpetrators allegedly belonging to Zanu PF are known.

Midlands
The situation is reported to be deteriorating in Mberengwa Over 20 badly tortured victims from Mberengwa North have allegedly been blocked by Zanu PF supporters from seeking treatment in Zvishavane. Transporters in the area are afraid of taking the injured to Zvishavane since the state operatives were going after all those involved in such activities in the past week.

Four people from Chief Mapiravana who suffered deep cuts and swollen limbs on May 17 after being whipped with barbed wire, are in Zvishavane seeking treatment. They are Frank Ndlovu, Nhlahla Ndlovu, Mandla Dube and Sibongile Bafana.

ZPP also received reports that in Zvemagwiro and Chesanga, people were also assaulted and are in dire need of medical attention and treatment.

Masvingo
Tedius Mbiza, and Solistas Manyika were assaulted in Maranda area of Mwenezi West by alleged Zanu PF supporters and two war veterans whose names are available.

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