OVERVIEW

The treason trial of MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai on 15 October, in which he was acquitted of charges of plotting to assassinate Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe was the focus of politically motivated violence in the month of October. Shortly before, during and after the court hearing for the acquittal of the MDC President, acts of intimidation and violence against MDC and NCA activists, as well as university students, increased sharply. Intimidation by state agents and ZANU PF youths caused several men and women to flee from their homes for fear of further assaults.

A large number of MDC supporters gathering outside the High Court to hear the Tsvangirai trial verdict were tear-gassed and assaulted by riot police. Of those who sought medical assistance, several had to be treated at or admitted to hospital. In a related incident, a truck full of Riot Police reportedly dispersed an all-night meeting of NCA members interceding on Tsvangirai’s behalf. A victim claims that they were assaulted with plastic whips, booted feet and open palms.

Eleven NCA demonstrators were arrested during a protest demonstration against the NGO Bill, and were charged under Section 24 of POSA¹ and made to pay Admission of Guilt fines of Z$25 000 each. Three photographers and 49 WOZA (Women of Zimbabwe Arise) women were also arrested for staging a peaceful demonstration outside Parliament and attempting to present a petition against the NGO Bill, the objective of their ten-day walk from Bulawayo. The women were reportedly detained for two nights in cells at Central Police Station. The photographers were detained there for one night, and released without charge. They allege that they witnessed other inmates being assaulted during the night.

At Shop No 8 in Tafara, allegedly a known site for torture, a victim was assaulted with baton sticks, iron bars, clenched fists and open palms, and beaten on the soles of his feet, for about two hours; two of six ZANU PF women who were ordered to urinate on the victim complied, while males looked on. In sporadic incidents as reported from Mbare, Kambuzuma, and Zengeza ZANU PF supporters assaulted MDC supporters after MDC rallies or meetings.

The Human Rights Forum urges the Government of Zimbabwe to take the necessary preventive steps to forestall political violence, intimidation, discrimination and victimization by state agents and individuals who appear to be acting with impunity, especially as the Parliamentary elections draw nearer.

Totals: 2004

Totals: 1 October – 31 October 2004

Cumulative Totals: 1 January 2004 – 31 October 2004

Trends for politically motivated human rights violations: January –October 2004

Sources: The information contained in this report is derived from statements made to the Public Interest Unit of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum, statements taken by the member organisations of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, (see last page for list of member organisations), from newspaper reports, Justice for Agriculture (JAG), Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), Zimbabwe Community Development Trust (ZCDT), Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN).

Notes to the tables:

Torture:

All cases of torture fall under the definition of torture according to the general definition given in the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment.

The four elements of torture are:

1. Severe pain and suffering, whether physical or mental

2. Intentionally inflicted

3. With a purpose

4. By a state official or another individual acting with the acquiescence of the State.

Those individuals referred to in point # 4 include the ZRP, ZNA, ZPS and the ZNLWVA (as a reserve force of the ZNA), and by any other grouping when directly sanctioned by the state.

Unlawful arrest and detention:

Arrest by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) with no reasonable suspicion that an offence has been committed. Detention thereafter for a period exceeding 48 hours without access to redress through the courts or subsequent release without charge.

Abduction/kidnapping:

A kidnapping by a member(s) of an organised group that is not the ZRP, political party, ZNLWVA, ZNA, MDC, Zanu PF etc

Disappearance:

Kidnapped persons whose whereabouts remained unknown at the time of reporting. Their whereabouts have still to be ascertained through follow-up reports or further investigation.

Property related

These are incidents in which property rights have been violated. This includes arson, property damage and destruction, and theft.

Key Abbreviations

Cases of Political Violence

Note: The identities of victims whose names have not been published in the press and who are not public officials are protected by the use of initials. This is done in order to protect the victim from further violence, intimidation and possible recriminatory attacks.

The purpose of this report is to record the nature of the politically motivated violence and intimidation that continues to prevail in the country. The Monthly Political Violence Reports are primarily based on victims’ accounts, accompanied by medical evidence where possible, obtained from member organisations of the Human Rights Forum and other partner organisations. Use is also made of press reports on politically motivated violence. The Monthly Political Violence Report cannot therefore be considered as the exhaustive record of all incidents of politically-motivated violence in Zimbabwe in the period under review. Nevertheless, every incident reported to the Human Rights Forum directly or through its members is meticulously documented and included in the reports.

The situation prevailing in the country is such that it has not been possible to verify all of these accounts. The Human Rights Forum has done what it can to verify the reports, and is satisfied that the vast majority of them are substantially true. It is not always possible to determine whether or not a victim’s account contains inaccuracies.

All reports derived from the press are denoted with the symbol ∑.

HARARE

Chitungwiza

25 October 2004

∑. It is reported that six suspected members of the NCA, Wellington Jona, Nasanha, Dunmore Mukanga, Ephraim White, Jonathan Mushava and Jesco Mpofu allegedly assaulted and stabbed Christopher Mawire and his friend who had come to his rescue. The six, wearing NCA t-shirts, reportedly told Mr Mawire to take off the ZANU PF t-shirt which he was wearing, but he refused. It is alleged that the six men then assaulted him with booted feet, clenched fists and sticks. During the assault, one of the assailants, Mukanga allegedly stabbed Mawire on the head and shoulder inflicting serious injuries. Mawire reportedly called for help and a friend of his, Tendai Mudoni, rushed to rescue him, but was also reportedly stabbed on the right shoulder by Mukanga, causing serious injuries. The two were apparently only rescued by members of the public who rushed to the scene and fought the attackers. Mawire had already identified Mukanga and he reported the issue to the police; the assailants were caught and the six are being charged with public violence and remanded out of custody on $50 000 bail each.

31 October 2004

∑. Three uniformed police officers wielding AK 47 assault riffles and three plainclothes police officers were reported to have gone to Collen Gwiyo the (Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions) ZCTU’s Deputy Secretary General’s house around 14:30 on Sunday 31 October, looking for him. It is reported that on the day in question Gwiyo was not at his Zengeza home, and that the police were reportedly informed by the people at the house that Gwiyo was not there, but that they allegedly searched the house for him. After discovering that he was indeed not in the house, the police left a message that Gwiyo should report to the police station. It is alleged that he was wanted in connection with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) delegation that was sent back to South Africa by the Government after they had come to Zimbabwe on a fact-finding mission. The government, through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare had told the delegation not to come to Zimbabwe on that mission but the COSATU delegation had come regardless².

15 October 2004

JM was allegedly assaulted by ZANU PF youths at St Mary’s shopping centre. He claims that he was wearing a t-shirt with the inscription "he is innocent”, (referring to Morgan Tsvangirai, MDC leader who was on trial for treason). A group of ZANU PF youths allegedly approached him and told him that he was not supposed to wear that t-shirt. He was then allegedly assaulted and his nose bled. He reportedly had to relocate from the area because the CID Law and Order section were now looking for him with charges of inciting people to go to the High Court, and causing violence in St Mary’s.

TY claims that he was assaulted by the police and ZANU PF supporters at his home after Tsvangirai’s verdict was announced, and that he had to relocate because the police wanted to arrest him for allegedly inciting violence against ZANU PF supporters.

MW claims that he was with his friends at a bar celebrating the “not guilty” verdict, when ZANU PF supporters came into the bar with axes and knives. The victim alleged that he was assaulted with a steel bar. He was reportedly taken to Chitungwiza Hospital by the bar owner. On the next day, the police allegedly went to his house seeking to arrest him. He is now said to be on the run.

DC claims that he was assaulted by ZANU PF supporters and the police while he was at Huruyadzo shopping centre. He alleges that he was drinking beer with colleagues to celebrate the “not guilty” verdict in the Tsvangirai treason trial, that he was wearing his t-shirt which had comments about the trial, and that they were assaulted but managed to escape. Apparently, the police are now looking for him and his friends. DC reportedly had to relocate in fear of his life.

16 October 2004

LM reports that he passed through ZANU PF offices in Unit D Chitungwiza with a fellow MDC activist who was wearing an MDC t-shirt. It is alleged that one of the youths approached them and told LM’s colleague that wearing an MDC t-shirt was not allowed in that area. LM reports that as they continued with their walk some youths from the office ran towards them but that they continued walking. It is alleged that the youths threw stones at LM and his colleague to which they allegedly retaliated. It is reported that when LM and his colleague came to the Unit D and J junction his colleague ran off. It is reported that when the victim tried to run the youths shouted “mbavha” (meaning “thief”) and a mob stopped the victim and told him that he had to answer to the charges. It is further reported that the ZANU PF gang got to the victim and assaulted him on the head and back. LM reports that he was assaulted using electric cables, wood and booted feet. He further claims that he was taken to Chitungwiza Hospital by the police and later transferred to South Medical Hospital.

20 October 2004

ET claims that he was relaxing with three other MDC friends when a truck drove past, made a U-turn and stopped, whereupon about 14 ZANU PF supporters reportedly disembarked and started throwing stones at them, accusing them of being MDC members. The victim reports that 4 stones hit him, inflicting bruises on forearms, left knee and left side of his stomach. The assailants are reported to have driven away shouting “you MDC people are troublesome”.

23 October 2004

TC claims that he was at his house in Chitungwiza when about six people came into his house and asked him what the MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai had said at a rally that was held in Chitungwiza, and that he did not reveal anything. The assailants allegedly assaulted him with clenched fists, and verbally abused him, saying that he belonged to the British-sponsored puppet party (referring to the MDC). He reportedly managed to escape and since then has not gone back home, out of fear for his life.

MM claims he was on his way to a Tuck Shop in St Mary’s at around 19:00 hours when he met a group of about 15 people who accused him of wearing an MDC t-shirt. He suspects they could have been ZANU PF supporters. MM reports he was slashed in the face, nose, right cheek and lower lip with a broken beer bottle, and beaten with fists and open hands in the face. The victim apparently went to Chitungwiza Hospital where he received medical treatment.

Glen Norah

10 October 2004

LS claims she was doing her laundry when she was approached by a group of ZANU PF youths who ordered her to go to the airport to welcome Yoweri Museveni, the Ugandan President. She claims she told the youths she was not feeling well but would make an effort to go. She alleges that at around 19:00 the same day, the youths came to her house asking why she had not gone to the airport, questioning why she had gone to Tsvangirai’s rally the week before and not to the airport. The victim claims she was slapped in the face, assaulted with an unidentified object and then fell to the ground. It is reported that a woman entered the room and upon finding LS lying on the ground she stamped on the victim’s right hip, and asserted that people like LS should be killed.

LS alleges that the woman took a pot of boiling water from the stove, and threw it on the victim’s chest. She was reportedly burnt on the chest and area surrounding the breast. The youths reportedly then left. On the following day, the victim claims she reported the matter at Dombo Police Station and was given a referral letter to the Hospital. Two of the perpetrators were apparently caught on the Tuesday following the assault but when LS went to the Police station on Wednesday to enquire, they had already been released. LS reportedly asked the Police why the two were released and was reportedly told that it was not an issue for her to know, but that if she saw the perpetrators again, she should alert any nearby police officer.

Glen view

24 October 2004

∑. It is reported that about 15 suspected MDC youths assaulted Mrs. Betty Masawi, a ZANU PF official. She is reported to have been wearing a ZANU PF women’s league t-shirt as she walked in the neighbourhood with a colleague. The youths, who are believed to have been coming from a rally in Kambuzuma, are reported to have assaulted her with fists and booted feet until she collapsed. She apparently sustained facial injuries and lost a tooth. The youths reportedly fled in the direction of Budiriro. She was reportedly taken to a clinic, and later to the police to report the incident, by the ZANU PF District Co-ordinating Committee Information and Publicity Secretary Persy Kuzvinzwa.

Harare central

5 October 2004

∑. Desmond Kwande, a photographer with The Daily Mirror, Tsvangirai Mukwazhi, a freelance photographer and another unidentified photographer were arrested on 5 October, together with 49 WOZA women who were staging a peaceful demonstration outside Parliament as the culmination of a march by the women from Bulawayo to Harare. The 49 women, including the WOZA leader, Jenni Williams, were reportedly arrested after handing over a petition regarding the Non-Governmental Organizations Bill (NGO Bill) to the Speaker of Parliament, and are being charged under Section 24 of POSA.³ The women were held in a cell at Central Police Station for two nights, appeared in Remand Court on 8 October 2004 and were due to appear for further remand hearing on 11 November (when they were taken off remand). The three photographers were reportedly accused of being among the organisers of the demonstration, detained for the night at Central Police Station,, and released without charge. They allege that they witnessed other inmates being assaulted during the night.

7 October 2004

∑. NCA Vice Chairperson for Harare, Darlington Madzonga and 10 other NCA activists were arrested in Nelson Mandela Avenue while they were demonstrating against the proposed NGO Bill. It is reported that the NCA staged a surprise demonstration at 08:30 hours. The police reacted, reportedly, only in the afternoon. The 11 were allegedly arrested for taking part in an illegal demonstration, while three of the activists were reportedly arrested in the afternoon for assaulting a policeman who had arrested a woman member of the NCA demonstrators. The policeman was guarding the Nelson Mandela Avenue entrance to Parliament, which is reserved for the President of Zimbabwe, Parliamentarians, Cabinet Ministers and senior Parliamentary officials. Eight of the demonstrators were reportedly picked up in the evening by ZANU PF youths who assaulted them before handing them over to the police. The 11 were made to pay admission of guilt fines of $25000 each. They are being charged under POSA.

WZ, WM and LC report that they participated in an NCA demonstration against the NGO Bill at the Parliament of Zimbabwe. WZ was allegedly picked up by the Riot Police, along 1st street in Harare on 7 October, with the accusation that he was part of the NCA team organising the demonstration. He alleges that he was heckled by Riot Police officers along 1st Street, and later fled from his home because the police were looking for him. WM was reportedly arrested and assaulted by the police, searched and found to be a student from the University of Zimbabwe. The authorities at the University were apparently alerted and evicted him from his place of residence, claiming that he was using the residence for political reasons. LC was also allegedly arrested and fined $ 25 000 before his release. After his release, LC, like WZ, was reportedly evicted from his place of residence at the University of Zimbabwe.

14 October 2004

FC claims that on the day of the incident, she had gone to NCA offices to attend an all-night prayer meeting, interceding for the acquittal of MDC President, Morgan Tsvangirai, who had been on trial for treason. At around 00:30hrs whilst the victim and others were in the midst of the prayer sessions, it is alleged that a truck full of riot police came to disperse the people. The victim claims that the riot police descended on everyone, assaulting them with plastic whips, booted feet and open palms and that she was assaulted on the back, buttocks and shoulders.

PZ alleges that on the day in question he held meetings with MDC officials including MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai. On his way home, PZ claims that he witnessed a taxi driver being beaten by riot police who were allegedly saying something about the treason charges. As the victim continued walking, he reportedly saw three strange people approaching him, whom he believed he had seen earlier on at the (Zimbabwe National Students Union) ZINASU offices. The three apparently accused the victim of mobilizing students to demonstrate against Tsvangirai’s treason charges.

A police vehicle reportedly pulled up and the victim jumped into the vehicle after having been beaten with a fist at the back of his head. PZ claims that he had expected the police to help him but instead they allegedly started to assault him with baton sticks. PZ reportedly started to bleed profusely from the upper lip and he jumped from the moving vehicle. He believes that he must have lost consciousness, which he regained at around 23:00 hours. He reportedly dragged himself from the side of the road to a certain flat and knocked at the door, where, when it was opened, he claims he again lost consciousness. The victim claims the next thing he remembers was finding himself at Parirenyatwa Hospital where he received stitches on his head and in his upper lip. It is reported that at around 03:00 hours a friend of the victim carried him home.

15 October 2004

GD, EM, BV, FN, HM, JM, SD, TF, MP, EM and PM, a 6-months old minor, were reported to have been among the MDC activists celebrating the acquittal of the MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai on charges of treason, when the riot police assaulted them indiscriminately. EM was apparently accused by one of the police officers of being among the MDC activists. She reportedly crossed the road to help a colleague who was being assaulted in Nelson Mandela Avenue, but was ordered to board a truck by the police. She was apparently slapped in the face and ordered again to board the truck. It is alleged that the victim was arrested and taken to Central Police Station and put in cells. She claims she was remanded in custody until 19 October around 12:30hrs. She was reportedly released after paying a fine but is being charged under POSA.

GD reportedly managed to escape after the encounter and was treated at the Avenues Clinic. EM apparently sustained bruises on the right knee as the MDC supporters running away from the riot police trampled on him. BV claims she inhaled teargas and is now suffering from chest pains and a sore throat. FN claims that three riot police officers assaulted her with planks and baton sticks for no apparent reason. She was reportedly beaten on the back, abdomen, right arm and buttocks, and went for treatment at the Avenues Clinic. SD and her 2-year old daughter reportedly inhaled teargas during the incident. The child is apparently coughing and feverish since the incident. SD is reportedly experiencing chest pains and a headache.

HM was allegedly kicked and beaten with baton sticks on her head, back and buttocks. PM, a 6-month old minor who was on her mother’s back, allegedly inhaled teargas. The victim is reported to be feeding well and breathing well, but her mother fears that the baby might suffer from delayed effects of the gas. JM apparently ran away from the riot police in the ensuing melee, bumped into a drum that was in the way, and is now complaining of pain in her left leg. MP was reportedly beaten in the abdomen, on the back and on her arms and had to be taken to Avenues Clinic for treatment.

TF reports that at around 10:00 hours some people were refused entry into the High Court to witness the delivery of the verdict in Tsvangirai’s treason trial. TF claims that they started to mill around waiting for the outcome. It is reported that riot police started to beat people randomly, and the victim claims he was beaten once in the abdomen and twice on the left hand.

RM claims that she was assaulted by the riot police at the bus stop near the Charge Office of Harare Central Police Station. She had reportedly been present for the acquittal of Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC leader. She now feels she needs to relocate in fear of further victimization.

23 October 2004

At around 17:00 hours, after attending an MDC rally at St Mary’s foot-ball pitch, JM reports that he boarded a commuter omnibus to Unit D, and that when he got to Chitungwiza Town Centre about eight ZANU PF supporters attacked him, accusing him of attending an MDC rally. He was reportedly assaulted with fists on the chest and a weak blow on the head. It is alleged that the incident occurred in the presence of the police who did nothing to intervene. In self-defence, the victim allegedly took a knife from one of the attackers and slashed 3 of them on the forearms. It is reported that the attackers then dispersed, but that as the victim was walking away one of them caught him unawares and allegedly stabbed him in the right thigh with a broken bottle. The victim claims that up to now puss is seeping out of the wounded area, which is painful.

Harare North

14 October 2004

GH claims that one Muvira gave her MDC t-shirts, which she kept in her place of residence at the University of Zimbabwe. While taking a nap there she apparently heard a car and upon looking outside she saw a Police Defender vehicle. She reportedly heard a knock on the door but refused to open it until the police allegedly threatened to force it open, when she opened it. It is alleged that the Police asked for the t-shirts from the victim to which she allegedly replied that she did not have any. The police reportedly searched GH’s residence and found an NCA t-shirt and allegedly commented that the NCA is an affiliate group of the MDC.

The police reportedly argued that the victim must have MDC t-shirts and dragged her outside into the quad. She was reportedly beaten all over her body with baton sticks, fists and open palms. She claims that she was taken into a police Defender vehicle where she was further assaulted until their Sergeant reportedly ordered them to stop. The Sergeant reportedly ordered the victim to run away. It is reported that the police who assaulted the victim numbered about 15 and that she had swellings all over her body as a result of the assault. She claims that the next day, 15 October, the police came back again, but that she managed to run away.

Harare South

15 October 2004

SN reports that he attended the treason trial of the MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai. He is now afraid to go back home since he was informed by his brother that some ZANU PF activists reportedly came looking for him. He has apparently relocated in fear of his life

23 October 2004

IP is an MDC activist who was allegedly involved in distributing material to mobilise people to attend the treason trial of the MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai. He was allegedly spotted by ZANU PF activists who threatened him with unspecified action. The victim has had to relocate in fear of the threats.

Hatfield

3 October 2004

∑. It is reported that Fungai Godo, leader of Johane Masowe Apostolic Faith, was assaulted on Sunday 3 October by alleged ZANU PF youths. It is suggested that on the day in question, the youths were disappointed at the low turn-out at a ZANU PF meeting in Epworth and therefore accused Godo of being the cause. The youths had allegedly gone from house to house forcing people to attend the rally. Fungai Godo is reported to have told them that he and his congregation were non-partisan and would not comply with the youths’ orders to chant ZANU PF slogans. It is alleged that he was assaulted, that members of his congregation fled their church gathering, and that members who refused to chant ZANU PF slogans were also assaulted. The case was, however, not reported to the police.

31 October 2004

∑. It is reported that ZANU PF youths teamed up and held a meeting in Epworth near Overspill Shopping Centre under the leadership of one Zibwe. The youths reportedly resolved to forcibly lure people to subscribe to the ruling party through a vigorous door to door campaign strategy. The ZANU PF youths allegedly went from door to door chanting war songs and slogans, and forcing people to buy ruling party cards for $3 000 each. It is reported that they eventually met with MDC youths and a violent clash ensued.

Highfield

5 October 2004

IM claims that on the day of the incident he went to Highfield Western Triangle Terminus to meet up with people with whom he normally reads newspapers. It is reported that two people greeted him by name, to which he responded. IM alleges that at that moment 10 people teamed up and took him to a certain room, where he was apparently quizzed as to why he supports MDC and not ZANU PF. It is reported that he was slapped behind the ears, that the perpetrators took turns to assault him, that two pieces of hosepipe were allegedly put into his ears and that the perpetrators blew air into both ears. IM claims that his ears were also painfully suctioned and that his genitals were pulled down using a big stapler. The victim claims that after an hour he was released. His ears were allegedly blocked and he could not hear properly. He claims that he reported the matter to Western Triangle Police Station and was told by the Police that they were also afraid of being beaten by ZANU PF Supporters. At present the victim claims that his ears remain partially blocked and painful.

13 October 2004

SN claims that around 20:00 hours, two neighbourhood watch members passed by his place of residence and asked him why he was wearing an MDC t-shirt. The victim claims that he told them that was the only t-shirt he had. It is alleged that they promised they would come back. Later on in the night, it is alleged that Leonard and three other youths went into SN’s house holding a knife. SN allegedly stood up and went out the opposite direction. He was however apparently assaulted on the head with an unidentified object and fell down. He claims that when he tried to stand up he was assaulted again on the right shoulder but managed to escape.

Kambuzuma

24 October 2004

At around 17:00 hours, after an MDC rally which was held in Kambuzuma Section 3, CR reports that he intended to take a little table to Kambuzuma Section 5 where their MP, the Hon Madzimure resides. The victim claims that as he was about 50 meters from Mr Madzimure’s residence he was attacked by about eight ZANU PF supporters. The ZANU PF supporters apparently accused him of having blocked their meeting by holding a rally that day. CR alleges that one of the assailants threw a large stone at him, which hit him below the left ear. He fell down, and the assailants then reportedly tramped on him, assaulting him with fists and open hands all over his body. It is reported that the public came to the victim’s rescue. CR claims that he is now experiencing pain in the right shoulder and the left side of his face.

Mabvuku

25 October 2004

∑. It is reported that Kurayi Nyahunzvi, Albert Katiyo, Oscar Makurumure, Linda Savanhu, Memory Tauzeni, Tambudzayi Chidenhe, Elizabeth Mandata, Stella Phenias, Elizabeth Tauzeni, Banyai Matambo, Tendayi Mutetwa, Wilson Mandata, Amos Matsika and Dadirayi Midhlovu led by Cde Chihota attacked a group of fellow ZANU PF supporters led by Cde Pamela Tungamirai an aspiring ZANU PF MP, who had attended a meeting in Goromonzi. Pamela Tungamirai’s group was attacked for attending the assailants’ meetings without invitation. The group of 15 burnt huts and assaulted Tungamirai’s group. The 15 were arrested and are being charged with public violence.

15 October 2004

MG claims that he had just disembarked at the bus terminus when two youths and two elderly CIO members met him. The victim claims that he was wearing an MDC t-shirt inside his shirt. The four reportedly accused the victim of being an MDC activist and of celebrating the acquittal of a murderer - in reference to MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The four allegedly told MG that they were going to fix him. He was apparently grabbed by the shirt thereby removing the shirt and exposing the MDC t-shirt. It is alleged the t-shirt was taken away. He reports he was tripped up, and when he fell down he was allegedly kicked with booted feet all over the body. He was reportedly further assaulted using a hose whip on the head and back. The victim claims that 12 more people joined in assaulting him. MG apparently shouted and he believes that his shouts attracted a crowd. After about 5 minutes the attackers reportedly got into a truck and drove off. Among his attackers, the victim claims to have recognized two members of the CIO, one of whom is a Mr. Maganhu, and the other a paramilitary member called Funny.

17 October 2004

JK claims that about 11 ZANU PF Youths came to her place of residence at around 19:30 hours. It is reported that the youths claimed to have seen the victim on Friday at the High Court attending MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s treason trial. The youths allegedly demanded money that they thought had been paid to the victim, or t-shirts. The victim claims to have denied knowledge of the said items. The youths allegedly demanded that she undress but she did not comply. She claims that she was assaulted on the back and both hands, by about 10 of the youths, with the so-called Commander supervising the assault. She asserts that her head was hit against a wall and she fell down, and that she must have lost consciousness for about 30 minutes. She believes that the perpetrators might have disappeared upon noticing that she was unconscious. The victim claims to know some of the people who assaulted her, including Clever Spunu who resides at 1588 Old Tafara, Charles who is the Commander, Biri Depa who stays at 1113 Old Tafara, Loveness who resides at 1093 Old Tafara, Eric Samson who resides at 1106 Old Tafara and others she cannot remember by name.

KC claims that on the same day he was on his way to the house of a fellow MDC activist, when he met a group of about 16 ZANU PF Youths who said they were looking for him. The youths reportedly said that Tsvangirai had been acquitted but KC should die in his place. The victim claims that among the youths were Zeka, Smart and Alfred. The victim was allegedly force-marched to shop Number 8 in Old Tafara. Whilst at shop Number 8, KC alleges that he was placed in a cage and assaulted. It is reported about six female ZANU PF Youth were ordered to urinate on him and two complied, while the males were looking on. The male youths allegedly began to assault the victim who claims that he was assaulted all over his body with baton sticks, iron bars, clenched fists and open palms. KC’s forehead was allegedly hit against a wall and the perpetrators also used hot candle wax to torture him. It is reported that the victim was tortured from about 18:00 hours to about 20:00 hours.

He was assaulted on the soles of both feet with baton sticks and as a result sustained severe injuries. He is apparently experiencing severe chest pains and his buttocks and feet are swollen and very painful. The victim alleges that he was thrown out of the building over a durawall but managed to walk to seek medication, and was reportedly taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment by a good Samaritan, Timothy Mubawi.

PG claims that Zeka, Alfred, Smart, Magret, Loveness and other ZANU PF youths numbering about 15 went to a house in Old Tafara where the victim and his colleagues were socialising. The victim alleges that the ZANU PF youths started beating up his two colleagues WM and KC with the accusation that they had celebrated the acquittal of MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai in his first treason trial. The victim reports that he managed to run away and went to the police to report the case. It is alleged that after a while the assailants were arrested but that they were released after they paid a fine. On their return, the assailants were now apparently intimidating the victim and he can no longer feel safe living at his house.

22 October 2004

CM claims that he was coming from visiting a friend when fellow MDC supporters greeted him. The group of MDC youths reportedly greeted each other by exchanging handshakes. What surprised the victim is that they all used their left hands for greeting. It is purported that overall there were about seven MDC youths including Tunga Mozalani, Amon Popi and Tawanda Tafireyi. The other youths allegedly asked him where he was coming from and he told them. It is reported that the youths were holding empty beer and soft drinks bottles. The victim claims he was then assaulted with the bottles in the face, back and hands. He asserts he was assaulted for not supporting a person whom the attackers were supporting. CM’s child apparently started crying, causing people to come to investigate. When people arrived, the assailants allegedly ran away. CM apparently reported the matter to Mabvuku Police Station and a docket CR Number RRB0574184 was opened. CM’s face is reportedly swollen and teeth on the left side of his mouth are loose and causing considerable pain.

Mbare West

3 October 2004

WM claims that at around 14:00 hours, she attended a meeting at the MDC Secretary’s home. On her way back, she reportedly met many ZANU PF supporters who were holding a meeting at Stodart Hall. One of the ZANU PF supporters allegedly recognized her as the MDC Secretary for Mbare West and threw a stone at her which broke her left arm. WM allegedly reported the matter to Stodart Police where she was given a referral letter to go to Harare Hospital where her arm was put into a plaster cast.

15 October 2004

GM claims that she had attended Tsvangirai’s treason trial on 15 October 2004. She allegedly escaped a group of riot police at Harvest House, the MDC headquarters. She alleges that when she got to Harare Central Police Station Charge Office around lunch hour with her two friends, she was attacked by Riot Police, with allegations that she was contravening POSA and was discussing Tsvangirai’s verdict. The riot police allegedly used baton sticks to assault her on her back and thighs. The victim claims that when she got home, her neighbours learnt that she had been assaulted after attending the Tsvangirai treason trial. She is now being issued with threats and intimidation from ZANU PF activists and feels she has to relocate for her safety.

MANICALAND

Chimanimani

7-11 October 2004

∑. It is reported that about 54 families including Pauline Sakala, Shepherd Chikukwa, Daniel Sithole and the Tsopo family were evicted from Charleswood farm by the war veterans occupying the farm between Thursday 7 October and Monday 11 October. The workers at Charleswood farm were reportedly accused of receiving $40 million from The Hon Roy Bennet, the MDC MP for Chimanimani and legal owner of the farm, as payment for them to spy on operations at the farm and give him periodical feedback. It is reported that the workers claim that they were threatened with the burning down of their homes and property if they did not leave the farm. Some of the displaced families have reportedly moved to Mutare and Chimanimani to stay with relatives and neighbours respectively for a temporary period. It is reported that Pauline Sakala was approached by about 2 war vets in the company of Sydney Sithole, who is Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA) security officer, while she was at work at the clinic where she is a Nurse. The war veterans reportedly demanded keys to the drug room and the clinic before they force marched her to the ARDA offices at the farm. She was reportedly told to leave the farm because she had allegedly accepted money from Mr Bennet to spy on the activities at the farm. It is reported that Bennet denied sending money but there are allegations that he actually did send $40 million to be shared among the families at the farm. Sakala denied having been given the money.

Buhera North

26 October 2004

LV alleges that as he was coming home from court at Murambinda, Buhera, with a few friends he was allegedly assaulted by ZANU PF youths and three people in army uniform. LV and his colleagues were allegedly told that whoever ran away would be shot. They were reportedly ordered to give the ZANU PF youths everything they had, but the victim allegedly refused. LV and his colleagues were assaulted with the accusation that they were denying that they burnt the houses of ZANU PF activists.

MASHONALAND CENTRAL

Bindura

6 October 2004

NC claims that he had successfully completed a meeting at Chiwaridzo regarding the MDC primary elections for the forthcoming 2005 Parliamentary elections, and was cycling on his way home when he met a group of about 8 ZANU PF youths, some of whom were behind him and some who were in front of him. The victim claims he decided to cycle past fast. Unfortunately he ran into an oncoming car and his body hit the bicycle handles, injuring his left testicle. It is reported that the victim was taken to his brother’s house by the car which hit him.

25 October 2004

LM claims that he and his MDC colleagues went to Mupandira to choose a candidate for their constituency for the forthcoming 2005 Parliamentary elections. The victim alleges that, upon arrival, ZANU PF youths were already at Mupandira waiting for them. The victim and his colleagues were allegedly detained in a fenced area for about 4 hours, where they were assaulted and had beer poured on them, and were later asked for their addresses and identity particulars. They were reportedly released but when the victim got home, he was allegedly told by ZANU PF youths to leave Bindura and never to come back again. The youths had allegedly been sent by one John who is alleged to be the ZANU PF youth leader in the area.

Mazowe West

14 October 2004

JC alleges that Dr. Louis Chidzambwa ordered her to leave her home at Selby farm which Dr. Chidzambwa allegedly occupies. She claims she was threatened with assault and death if she remained at the farm with her family. Dr Chidzamba was allegedly driving a white Nissan hardbody full of hired youths on the day in question. JC was threatened with the death of her husband TM. Dr. Chidzambwa is reported to have said that even if they reported the situation wherever they wanted, he could still get away with anything.

16 October 2004

LM, CM and GC were allegedly forcefully evicted from Selby farm by Dr. Chidzambwa who has occupied the farm. Dr. Chidzambwa allegedly went to LM’s home in the company of 2 armed police officers from Malborough Police Station in a white Nissan Hardbody. LM was reportedly abducted and taken to Chidzambwa’s homestead where Chidzambwa apparently assaulted him in the presence of the police officers. The victim was then taken back to his homestead where his property was removed from his house and thrown into the Nissan Hardbody and then dumped in Glenview 8. Some of the victim’s property was damaged. CM reports that his property was also taken and dumped in Glenview 3. Some of his property was also allegedly destroyed. GC claims Dr. Louis Chidzambwa came to his homestead and ordered that the victim vacate the farm. Dr Chidzambwa alleged that he had sent Assistant Inspector Cheche of Malborough Police Station to evict all the residents at Selby farm.

The victim claims that Dr. Chidzambwa ordered his 2 sons Mathew and Simbarashe Chidzambwa to apprehend him while Chidzambwa assaulted him using a log. GC was reportedly struck three times, sustaining a deep cut to his head for which he later got 14 stitches. The victim alleges that he reported the case to Constable Kadema of Malborough police station; case Number 053 8145. The matter went to court on 18 October 2004 but the victim is afraid that justice might be circumvented because Chidzambwa is believed to have friends in high places one of whom was named by the victim.

MASHONALAND EAST

Seke

5 October 2004

On the day of the incident TK claims that he had just gotten off the bus on his way home when he met four youths who accused him of being an MDC activist. The victim alleges that the four youths tried to harass him and then assault him but that he fought back and ran off. TK claims that he was however hit on the left lower leg as he was running away. The victim claims that his leg is swollen and infected and believes it is getting worse.

MASHONALAND WEST

Hurungwe West

7 October 2004

It is reported that on the day of the incident FM, GG and others were supposed to hold an MDC rally at Zvipane Business Centre, but that the Harare MDC office phoned through to Magunje Growth Point cancelling the rally. GG and FM reportedly went to Zvipane to notify the people that the rally had been cancelled. About 8 youths from different wards were allegedly present at the Growth Point, and as FM, GG and others were discussing the issue, about 15 War Veterans apparently disembarked from a truck. The War Veterans allegedly assaulted those in the group with booted feet and fists, accusing them of being in an unlawful gathering. It is reported that the War Veterans were told that the police had cleared the meting but they took no notice of that. It is alleged that the group was taken to the police station were it was verified that they had a clearance letter from Magunje Police Station. The group claims to have reported the assault to Magunje Police Station.

Kadoma West

1 October 2004

TR claims that on the day of the incident, they had completed MDC primary elections in Kadoma West in which she had won. At around 01:00 hours TR alleges that the police came to her place of residence, forced their entry, surrounded her place, and asked for the victim by name. When she identified herself the police apparently asked her to surrender her bags which she did. The police reportedly ransacked her bags and took three diaries and her passport. It was reported that TR was taken away to Sanyati Police Station along with her parents where they were apparently interrogated by Law and Order officers who came from Chinhoyi.

The victim’s father apparently denied any involvement in the MDC but he was allegedly assaulted. TR, though not assaulted, was allegedly put into cells where she slept on the cold floor until the following morning. She alleges that she remained in the cells until 3 October at around 18:30 hours. The officers allegedly accused her of being the brains behind the violence in the area and of trying to go to the United Kingdom. She apparently denied both accusations, but was allegedly threatened with death while she was reportedly being assaulted with a broomstick on the right shoulder and back. The Member in Charge reportedly walked in and warned the police that what they were doing was illegal. The victim claims she was taken back to the cells for another day and later taken to Kadoma for a court hearing on 4 October 2004, being charged under POSA. She was allegedly given $100 000 bail which was paid on 5 October around 17:00 hours. The victim was to return to court on 13 October.

Mhondoro

2 October 2004

WN claims that on the day of the incident, he had a copy of “The Changing Times”, an MDC newsprint. On alighting from the bus at Katanga, Norton, about seven ZANU PF Youths approached him. It is alleged that the youths inquired about the newsprint and accused the victim of distributing MDC literature. WN was allegedly taken to Mr. Basopo who allegedly interrogated him and then left him at the mercy of the youths. He was reportedly force-marched to Mrs. Tsemondos’s house (ZANU PF Chair person in the area) but she was not there. It is reported that the victim was then taken to Jorburg lines near Cation Bakery where he was assaulted all over the body by about 50 youths including on the soles of both feet, and on the left eye and ear, with a plank, booted feet, and open palms. WN’s particulars including ID and $20 000.00 were allegedly stolen. He claims that he was released at around 15:00 hours. Among the perpetrators, the victim claims that there was Clever and another whose name is unknown but whose place of residence is known to him.

MIDLANDS

Gweru Urban

12 October 2004

∑. The Standard Midlands correspondent, Richard Musazulwa was allegedly arrested on Tuesday 12 October under AIPPA for abusing journalistic privilege over a story that appeared in The Standard of August 22 2004. In the story Musazulwa alleged that hungry ZANU PF youths tried to gatecrash a Heroes luncheon held by the army chiefs at Thornhill airbase. He further alleged that the youths rioted until army and police details were called in to quell the violence. He is being charged under AIPPA for publishing falsehoods. He allegedly contravened Section 80 (1) (b)⁴ of the act. He was remanded to 28 October after paying $50 000 bail set by Gweru Magistrate Tineyi Saungweni on Wednesday 13 October 2004.

Full alphabetical list of reported deaths related to political violence, 1 January to 31 October 2004, recorded by name, political affiliation, date of death, constituency and province.

TOTAL: 3 MDC – 2; UNKNOWN - 1

Administrative Map of ZIMBABWE

Zambia

Mozambique

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (also known as the “Human Rights Forum”) is a coalition comprising 17 member organisations. It has been in existence since January 1998 when non-Governmental organisations working in the field of human rights joined together to provide legal and psychosocial assistance to the victims of the Food Riots of January 1998.

The Human Rights Forum has now expanded its objectives to assist victims of organised violence, using the following definition:

“Organised violence” means the inter-human infliction of significant avoidable pain and suffering by an organised group according to a declared or implied strategy and/or system of ideas and attitudes. It comprises any violent action, which is unacceptable by general human standards, and relates to the victims’ mental and physical well-being.”

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