The majority of the people who have been attacked are members of opposition parties living in the rural areas. Statistics produced by The Amani Trust in Bulawayo make a powerful statement of the extent and the nature of the violence up to 6 June 2000. They indicate that more than 13,000 people have been affected by political violence, more than 2000 have been assaulted and 30 are dead. But in respect of a few of these deaths there is still some doubt as to whether they were the result of political violence or exploitation by criminal elements of the violent climate. However, the figures of deaths due to political violence are thought to be conservative and since they were produced several more MDC supporters have been killed. The number of deaths reported is closer to 40. In The Amani Trust Bulawayo study, Zanu (PF) supporters and government officials were found to be responsible for approximately 93 % of violence, and to be the victims in an estimated 5 % of incidents. MDC and other non-government supporters are listed as the biggest group of victims at approximately 46%, while they are said to be responsible for 2 % of violence.

Although farm workers have been and remain in the front line of political violence, the Forum has only managed to gather detailed statements from very few such victims to date. Research into their plight will continue and the project aims to detail their experiences in the future. We can be in no doubt whatsoever, from the records of the Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) and reports from the farm workers union, GAPWUZ, that farm workers have been subjected to all manner of human rights abuses and that they are isolated and under constant threat.

The fear which is governing farming communities at present has sealed off farm workers from outside support. GAPWUZ officials, for instance, have been unable to hold meetings and have had to exercise great caution during visits to the farms. In one instance the union leader was himself captured and tortured by being forced to sit in one place without moving for six hours. By placing monitors on most farms, and establishing camps upon others, war veterans and Zanu (PF) supporters have largely managed to control farm workers.

Farmers whose properties are occupied have been regularly victimised by the war veterans and Zanu (PF) supporters. Many are deeply traumatised by persistent threats, harassment, demands and assaults. Five farmers have now been killed, but in two cases these may have been carried out by criminals exploiting the lawlessness created by the war veterans. The ongoing violations against farmers are also being recorded.

The majority of victims interviewed by the Forum are members of opposition political parties whose positions as organisers have made them a target. The way in which these individuals have been identified, located and systematically attacked is further confirmation that the violence is highly organised and informed by sophisticated intelligence.

This report does not attempt to document intimidation or damage to property, focusing instead upon assaults upon individuals. The Forum is aware, however, that mass psychological torture is being used in many parts of the country. Entire communities are now traumatised; if they have not been directly targeted, people living in the communal areas and farming communities have been witness to public beatings or to daily intimidation. In some areas where schools have been closed either temporarily or for long periods, teachers are being singled out as opposition sympathizers. Health workers have also been threatened or attacked and have, in some cases, been prevented from administering treatment to opposition supporters.

Zanu (PF) supporters in Mberengwa have called their party card a "passport to the area". This is a statement which rings true with people in many parts of the country, where freedom of movement, association and speech are restricted for those whose loyalties to the party are in question. Strangers are regarded with suspicion. Villagers, farm workers and farmers have been forced to attend Zanu (PF) rallies or pungwes (all-night political meetings based upon traditional Shona rituals, developed during the 1970s liberation war). Houses have been burnt and their contents looted or destroyed. The social and economic consequences of this terror campaign have not been fully assessed, but it is clear that they are extensive and they require immediate action.