ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS NGO FORUM

POLITICAL VIOLENCE REPORT

SEPTEMBER 2004

29 November 2004

OVERVIEW

 

Incidents occurring in Zimbabwe in the month of September continue to reflect lack of political tolerance. The Human Rights Forum commends the Vice President for his stance against violence and hopes that his words will be put into action. The Human Rights Forum condemns any form of political violence against any Zimbabwean no matter what their political affiliation may be.

Political victimization was relatively high around the opposition MDC’s 5th year anniversary celebrations on 11 and 12 September 2004. In Kwekwe, it is alleged that around 8:00am on Saturday, ZANU PF supporters at Globe and Phoenix ground attacked Blessing Chebundo MDC MP for Kwekwe and other MDC supporters. The MDC supporters were reportedly preparing for the beginning of the party’s 5th year anniversary celebrations at the ground. It is reported that more than 200 ZANU PF supporters attacked the MDC supporters. Four of the MDC supporters were reportedly seriously injured during the attack. They were taken to hospital. Police in Harare reportedly confirmed their knowledge of the incident. The Forum urges the police to bring to book all those responsible for incidents of this nature.

In Glen view EK, SR, LC, TC, FM, DM and RM reported that they attended the MDC 5th year anniversary celebrations in Highfield. Since then they claim that they are being victimised by ZANU PF supporters who allegedly spotted them on their way back from the anniversary. They report that they are being threatened with eviction, burning of property, physical abuse and sometimes with unspecified action. They claim that they are now living in fear due to these threats and are looking to relocate.

The month of September also saw a rise in the number of displacements. The cases of displacements recorded in September are the highest since the beginning of the year. This can be attributed to the current farm evictions and also the MDC 5th anniversary celebrations mentioned above. On 2/09/2004, the Member In Charge of Norton police, Mr. Makuku, the District Administrator, Mr. Mushaninga, riot police and national service youths evicted Porta Farm dwellers despite a High Court Order granting the residents temporary relief from eviction until a lasting solution to their accommodation problems was found. The residents at Porta Farm were initially moved to the farm in October 1991, when the Queen of England visited Zimbabwe for the CHOGM summit. They were allegedly evicted from Mbare, Kugomba in Borrowdale, VID and Epworth. Porta Farm was originally supposed to be a temporary settlement with those who had been moved there apparently believing they were to be moved to a more permanent place of residence within three months. Fourteen years on, the residents have not yet been resettled.

LM alleges that on the day of the incident, riot police, Mr. Makuku, the Member in Charge of Norton Police Station and Mr. Mushaninga the District Administrator arrived at Porta Farm in 11 small cars and 12 lorries. It is further alleged that the member in charge addressed the people telling them that they had come prepared to evict them and he is said to have asked the people whether they were also prepared for the eviction. LM claims that two of the Porta Farm residents, WC and MJ handed a High Court Order and affidavit to the Member in Charge. The High Court Order granted the residents temporary relief to stay at Porta Farm until the issue of their resettlement was resolved amicably. The Member in Charge purportedly charged that the documents were fake and refused to look at them. He is alleged to have said that these delaying tactics were not going to work with the police and ordered the demolishing team to start doing the work for which they had come. It is further alleged that the demolishing team comprised of about 30, some of whom were said to be wearing dreadlocks, which we believe are prohibited for police officers.

The team reportedly had different tools for demolishing, which included picks, shovels and iron bars. When they demolished the first house people around apparently started to scream. It is alleged that the police fired shots in the air and one of the policeman is alleged to have deliberately aimed, shot and shattered the windows of another house. LM claims that the shooting started a fire, which burnt a whole house and the nearby grass wall. The property is said to have belonged to GM. It is purported that another house belonging to BZ was also destroyed along with a solar panel. Occupied and unoccupied houses were said to have been demolished, including one from which a sleeping infant was rescued unconscious and requiring medical attention.

The demolishing team then reportedly proceeded to one L's house who challenged the team on why they were destroying houses. LM alleges that one of the team members picked up a brick and hit him on the face. L reportedly cried out in pain but the team allegedly started to assault him. He was only rescued when some of the Porta Farm residents came to intervene on his behalf. LM claims that the riot police came in firing teargas indiscriminately and also firing several shots in the air. The local office of Amnesty International was alerted to what was transpiring at Porta Farm and two officers went there to observe. On arrival they alleged that they were accused by the police of addressing a meeting and causing commotion. They were arrested and charged with inciting violence.

The Non-Governmental Organizations Bill (NGO Bill), which was gazetted on 20 August 2004, was the centre of numerous demonstrations in the month of September leading to many arrests. The NGO Bill, among other repressive measures, seeks to ban any form of foreign funding for local NGOs involved in issues of governance. The Bill states, “No local Non-Governmental Organization shall receive any foreign funding or donation to carry out activities involving or including issues of governance”[1]. Issues of governance are defined in the Bill as including, “the promotion and protection of human rights and political governance issues”[2]. It is not surprising, therefore, that this Bill was the subject of many demonstrations by civil society in the month of September.

It is reported that 52 WOZA women were arrested between Chegutu and Selous at the 65KM peg Bulawayo-Harare highway for organising a demonstration without police notification. The women had announced they were marching from Bulawayo to Harare to demonstrate against the NGO Bill. It appears that when the police approached the women, they allegedly misled the police saying they were church members. They were however reportedly searched and found in possession of demonstration materials, which included banners and pamphlets. The women were taken into custody at Kadoma and Chegutu police stations and detained for 3 days. It is claimed that they appeared in Court but the magistrate refused to press charges due to lack of evidence. Jenni Williams, the only activist not arrested in Chegutu, was later reportedly arrested in Harare on 29/09/2004 with the other 8 women who had joined the demonstration in Harare at Africa Unity Square including a 4 month old baby They were said to be praying in Africa Unity Square after having successfully completed the march against the NGO Bill. They are being charged under s19 (1) (a)(i) of POSA chapter 11:17 for involvement in a “gathering conducing to riot disorder or intolerance” The alleged accusations are that the women unlawfully marched to Africa Unity Square from Harare show grounds chanting anti-government slogans and threatening to march to the Parliament of Zimbabwe on Monday 4 October 2004. They are due to appear in court on 13 October 2004.

The NCA National Advocacy Vice Chairperson, Maddock Chivasa, ZINASU President, Philani Zamchiya, ZINASU Organising Secretary, Steve Mutsarurwa and 41 other NCA activists were arrested after the NCA organised a demonstration against the NGO Bill. The demonstrators reportedly staged sporadic protests as they ran through the streets, waving banners and chanting slogans denouncing the proposed law. Many were reportedly thrown into police trucks and driven away to Avondale Police Station where they were detained until 20:00hrs and released without being charged. It is reported that as the demonstrators set to march peacefully to Parliament through Nelson Mandela Avenue, riot police details wielding truncheons and teargas canisters descended on them. The demonstrators were allegedly brutally assaulted by the police in a show of unwarranted use of force. Seven of the demonstrators were reportedly seriously injured and had to receive medical attention in a private hospital in Harare.

The Forum deplores the heavy-handed manner with which the police in Zimbabwe are quashing demonstrations. The Forum further urges the police to adhere to the United Nations (UN) Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, which states, “Law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty”.[3] The use of force must be proportional “to the legitimate objective to be achieved.[4]”

 

Totals: 1 September– 30 September 2004

Cumulative Totals: 1 January 2004 – 30 September 2004

 

 

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

Nature of Violation

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

Assault

34

32

109

16

29

12

12

44

41

Abduction/ kidnapping

7

3

12

1

13

6

1

8

6

Displacement

 

5

2

19

6

13

3

4

6

57

Freedom of Association / Assembly/ Expression

32

97

18

48

82

140

27

27

142

Murder

 

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Political discrimination/ victimisation

24

100

141

68

35

21

29

31

50

Property –related violations

10

12

35

5

11

4

3

33

29

Torture

 

2

74

23

16

18

15

1

10

6

Unlawful Arrest

2

7

16

17

6

3

2

8

141

 

 

Main Events

January

-          ZANU PF and MDC inter-party violence: pre Gutu North constituency (Masvingo Province) by-election.

-          Violence in Shamva constituency (Mashonaland Central Province), one person killed, Alexander Chigega (MDC).

February

-          NCA demonstration to call for a new constitution in Harare Central constituency (Harare Province) reportedly disrupted by ZRP.

-          Violence on Charleswood Estate, Chimanimani (Manicaland Province) belonging to MDC MP for Chimanimani, Roy Bennet. One person killed, Shemi Chimbarara (farm worker).

March

-          Inter-party violence: Zengeza constituency by-election (Harare Province), majority of victims reportedly MDC supporters/members. One person killed, Francis Chinozvina (MDC).

April

-          Post Zengeza by-election retribution. Main targets reportedly MDC members.

-          Inter-party violence in Mabvuku constituency (Harare Province).

-          MDC intra-party violence in St Mary’s constituency (Harare Province).

May

-          ZANU PF and MDC inter-party violence: Violence against MDC members in Mbare East constituency (Harare Province) reportedly perpetrated by members of Chipangano. Chipangano is reported to be a ZAANU PF youth gang based in Mbare.

-          ZANU PF and MDC inter-party violence: Alleged retribution against those that attended MDC rally in Chendambuya, Makoni North constituency (Manicaland Province).

June

-          ZRP reportedly disrupts WOZA meeting on 16 June 2004 in Mpopoma constituency (Bulawayo Province).

-          ZRP reportedly stops WOZA demonstration in commemoration of World Refugee Day on 19 June 2004 in Mpopoma constituency (Bulawayo Province).

July

-          Inter-party violence: ZANU PF youths reportedly attack MDC Provincial Assembly Meeting in Mvurwi, Mazowe West (Mashonaland Central Province).

August

-          ZANU PF intra-party violence in Makoni North (Manicaland Province).

-          ZNA reportedly torture civilians in Mabvuku, (Harare Province).

-          ZANU PF and MDC inter-party violence in Hatfield (Harare Province).

September

-          Porta Farm residents displaced from a farm they have lived at for 14 years. The residents were forcefully evicted by the police and national youth service youths despite a High Court Order granting them temporary relief from eviction.

-          WOZA women and NCA activists arrested on separate occasions as they demonstrate against the proposed NGO Bill.

-          Political victimization surrounds the MDC 5th year anniversary celebrations.

-          NCA youth and gender representatives meeting disrupted by the police and national service youths in Chikomba, Sadza T/Ship, Mashonaland East.

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), newspaper reports, Justice for Agriculture (JAG), Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), Solidarity Peace Trust (SPT), 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

AIPPA – Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act

CIO – Central Intelligence Organisation

MDC – Movement for Democratic Change

MP – Member of Parliament

NAGG - National Alliance for Good Governance

NCA – National Constitutional Assembly

OVT – Organised Violence and Torture

POSA – Public Order and Security Act

PTUZ – Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe

UMP – Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe

Zanu PF – Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front

ZCTU – Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions

ZNA – Zimbabwe National Army

ZNLWVA – Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association

ZPS – Zimbabwe Prison Service

ZRP – Zimbabwe Republic Police

ZIMTA – Zimbabwe Teachers Association

ZUPCO – Zimbabwe United Passenger Company

Cases of Political Violence

Note: The identities of victims whose names have not been published in the press and 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 also not possible to rule out whether a victim’s account is exaggerated or contains inaccuracies.

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

Bulawayo

Makokoba

30 September 2004

·        ∑.Four ZANU PF youths from Emganwini, Mandlekosi Sibanda, Mandlekosi Luphahla, Tisunge Botomani and Nkosilathi Gama, were allegedly abducted and severely assaulted by CIO operatives on 30 September 2004 in the presence of Innocent Chibaya, the CIO Director for Bulawayo. The foursome had reportedly been mistaken for MDC activists. It is also reported that the youths may have supported a ZANU PF faction that is opposed to Bulawayo war veterans leader, Jabulani Sibanda. They were allegedly assaulted all over their bodies with sticks, electric cables and belts. The 4 youths were reportedly picked up from Emganwini and taken to Magnet House, the Bulawayo CIO headquarters and allegedly tortured for 4 hours.

·        They were later taken to Mpilo Hospital for treatment and were admitted over night. They reportedly sustained broken bones and serious injuries to their genitals. On 3 October 2004, the youths were allegedly taken to Vice President Joseph Msika’s house by a group of disgruntled ZANU PF supporters. Vice President Msika asked them to narrate their story to him and to remove their clothes so that he would see the extent of their injuries. Vice President Msika, displeased by the alleged torture of the 4 youths, reportedly ordered  the investigation of the CIO operatives accused of committing the torture. The Vice President allegedly condemned political violence perpetrated on anyone on the basis that they have different political preferences. Police have reportedly opened dockets against the 3 CIO operatives and investigations are underway.

Harare

Budiriro

11 September 2004

RM claims that she attended the MDC 5th Anniversary celebrations in Highfield. ZANU PF youths reportedly saw her wearing her party regalia on her way back from the celebrations. Since then ZANU PF supporters have allegedly threatened her with unspecified action. She claims that she is living in fear due to the threats.

 

Chitungwiza

4 September 2004

It is reported that at around 3pm, ZANU PF youths were marching in the street towards the tuck shops, singing and celebrating their win of the Seke Constituency Parliamentary by-election. On their way back they allegedly passed TM’s house and pushed the gate down. The gate reportedly fell on TM, aged 3 yrs and 6 months, who was standing near it. As a result TM sustained a swollen left thigh. TM’s father claims that when he took TM inside the house, the ZANU PF youths left. TM was taken to hospital for treatment.

Glen View

11 September 2004

EK, SR, LC, TC, FM, DM and RM attended the MDC 5th Anniversary celebrations in Highfield. They claim that since then they are being victimised by ZANU PF supporters who allegedly spotted them on their way back from the celebrations. They are reportedly being threatened with eviction, burning of property, physical abuse and sometimes with unspecified action. They claim that they are now living in fear due to these threats and are looking to relocate.

 

Harare Central

1 September 2004

∑. The NCA National Advocacy Vice Chairperson, Maddock Chivasa, ZINASU President, Philani Zamuchiya, ZINASU Organising Secretary, Steve Mutsarurwa and 41 other NCA activists were allegedly arrested for participating in a demonstration against the Non-Governmental-Organisations Bill (NGO Bill) organised by the NCA. The demonstrators reportedly staged sporadic protests, running through the streets waving banners and chanting slogans denouncing the proposed law. It is reported that as the demonstrators set to march peacefully to Parliament through Nelson Mandela Avenue, riot police details wielding truncheons and teargas canisters descended heavily on them. The demonstrators were allegedly assaulted brutally by the police in a show of use of excessive force. Seven of the demonstrators were reportedly seriously injured and had to receive medical attention in a private hospital in Harare. Most of the demonstrators were reportedly thrown into police trucks and taken to Avondale Police Station where they were detained until 20:00hrs then released without being charged.

27 September 2004

∑.It is reported that Tony Reeler, Kuda Chitsike, Teddy Nemeroff and Heather Steenkamp, of the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA) were reportedly arrested on accusations that they had facilitated an inter-denominational prayer meeting held in Gweru the previous week without seeking police clearance, thus violating POSA.They were allegedly taken to Harare Central Police Station and questioned by the Law and Order Maintenance Section about their work at IDASA. The 4 denied any involvement in the organisation of the prayer meeting and were later released without charges being preferred against them.

23 September 2004

∑.It is reported that Vincent Kahiya, Zimbabwe Independent Editor, Augustine Mukaro, Zimbabwe Independent reporter and Raphael Khumalo Zimbabwe Independent Group General Manager were arrested for a story written by Mukaro and published on July 30 2004. The story alleged that assessors in the treason trial of MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, had blocked Judge President Paddington Garwe from handing down the judgement before they had reviewed transcripts of the trial. The Judge President is the complainant in the matter. The trio are being charged under Section 80 sub section c (ii)(b) of AIPPA, which relates to “abuse of journalistic privilege.” The charges allege that it was incorrect to say that the judgement was postponed to give assessors access to the transcript of the trial. However, the Registrar of the High Court reportedly issued an official statement to confirm that it was in fact true that the judgement was postponed to give the assessors time to access the transcript of the trial. The three were reportedly released in the afternoon, as the police had not yet completed their investigations.

1 September 2004

ZK, a commuter omnibus conductor, claims that at around 13:00 hours he and the driver of the commuter omnibus he works in parked their vehicle at the corner of Inez Terrace and Jason Moyo Ave, ready for their next trip. It is reported that at that moment a group of people passed by distributing NCA flyers. After a few minutes riot police allegedly came running after this group and beating people randomly. ZK claims that he was beaten on his back sustaining bruises on his shoulder blades. He allegedly tried to seek refuge under the commuter omnibus but the riot police dragged him out, handcuffed him and took him to Harare Central Police Station with three other persons.  ZK and the other three people were accused of being in possession of a petrol bomb and of flying the NCA banner. At around 20:00 hours, the group was allegedly taken by members of the CID for interrogation. The victim claims that he was beaten with a metal rod under the feet and was forced to crouch for a long time. The four were then reportedly taken to their homes where house searches were conducted for subversive material; however, no offensive material was found in ZK’s house. The four were allegedly then taken back to their cells where they were detained until 9 September 2004. It is reported that the victim was later taken to court and charged under POSA then released after the payment of a $200 000 fine. ZK alleges that he was detained in an overcrowded cell and denied access to communication.

GM reports that at around 13:30 hours he was going to see his lawyer at corner Jason Moyo Ave and Inez Terrace. On his way, he claims that a man who appeared to be running away from something bumped into him. GM apparently fell to the ground and as he stood up riot police descended upon him, beating him all over his body with baton sticks. He allegedly sustained an injury on the right upper arm and back. He reports he was forced into a ZRP truck and taken to Harare Central Police Station at around 15:00 hours. At the Police Station, the victim claims that he was taken to an office with 'Peace' inscribed on its door and kept there until about 16:00 hours. The victim was reportedly then taken to the Law and Order Maintenance Section where he was interrogated while sitting on the floor. He was allegedly later booked in. The victim further claims that at around 20:00 hours some CID officers took him for further interrogation and this went on for about two hours. On several occasions the victim was allegedly assaulted beneath the feet and slapped in the face. GM claims that he was hit on the left side of the forehead with a chair and that his head was hit against a wall. He also claims that he was kicked in the face with booted feet. Later on, GM was reportedly taken to his home in Budiriro for a search of his house that yielded nothing. He was then allegedly taken back to the cells where he was held until his release on Friday 10 September 2004. He was then reportedly taken to court and charged under POSA and also granted bail.

CM claims that on 1 September 2004 he was to participate in a demonstration against the NGO Bill as an NCA activist. At around 11:00 hours on the said day it is reported that police officers came to No. 3 Thuse Close in Eastlea where he was and they allegedly started to beat people randomly. CM claims that he managed to run away but the police tracked him down and he was picked up. CM was then reportedly taken to Highlands Police Station where he was assaulted on both knees with an empty coca-cola bottle and also beaten on the left side of his chest. CM claims that he was released at around 04:00 hours.

 

 

29 September 2004

MP was one of the WOZA women praying against the NGO Bill at Africa Unity Square. It is understood that the women, including MP, are being charged under s19 (1) (a)(i) of POSA for involvement in a ”gathering conducing to riot disorder or intolerance” The accusations are that the women unlawfully marched to Africa Unity Square from Harare Show Grounds chanting anti-government slogans and threatening to march to the Parliament of Zimbabwe on Monday 4 October 2004. It is reported that they will appear in court on 13 October 2004.

·         

Highfield

24 September 2004

SM claims that he and his colleagues were at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield making arrangements for a soccer match scheduled to take place the following day amongst MDC youths. SM further claims that he noticed that at least four people in plain clothes were watching them. After about 30 minutes it is purported that about 9 police officers rounded him and his colleagues up and conducted a body search on everyone. SM alleges that he was found wearing an MDC t-shirt and carrying a mobile phone. The group was allegedly accused of holding an illegal meeting and then assaulted beneath both feet and on the chest and back with a whip. SM reported that one of the police officers forced his mouth wide-open by inserting his fingers into his mouth and stretching it at both ends. SM claims that this was extremely painful and the inside of his mouth is bruised. SM further alleges that he and the others were then taken to Machipisa Police Station at around 18:30 hours where they were subjected to more beatings by another person whom he suspects to be a National Youth Service youth militia. SM and his colleagues were placed in the cells at around 22:00 hours until the following morning. They were reportedly released after they were interviewed by police officers from Harare Central Police Station’s Law and Order Maintenance Section. SM says that he was charged under POSA and made to pay a fine of $25 000-00 then released and allowed to go home at around 20:00 hours. He claims he is now suffering from pain all over his body.

Kuwadzana

9 September 2004

∑. MDC MP for Kuwadzana constituency (Harare Province) and MDC National Youth Chairperson, Nelson Chamisa, and 14 MDC members were reportedly arrested for holding an illegal meeting in the constituency. Chamisa was moved from Marimba Police Station to Harare Central Police Station and reportedly charged under s24 of POSA for addressing a meeting without notifying the police.[5]It is reported that a woman with a baby was amongst the 14 MDC members arrested. Although the 14 were reportedly not charged, they were detained along with Chamisa.

 

11 September 2004

BM, former Chairperson of the MDC University of Zimbabwe Branch, reports that he attended the MDC 5th Anniversary celebrations at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield from 11:00 hours to 14:00 hours. After this he was accompanied by his friend, JS, vice President of ZINASU, to Kuwadzana 5. BM claims that he accidentally exposed an MDC T-shirt that he was wearing underneath his shirt. He further claims that after about 30 minutes, about 11 National Youth Service militias appeared and abducted him and took him to a secluded place. The National Youth Service militias allegedly handcuffed BM and JS and assaulted them from 19:30 hours until about 03:00 hours the following morning. Thereafter they were apparently handed over to the police at Kuwadzana 2 Police Station. Police officers allegedly subjected BM to further assault in the cells. He claims that he was beaten with a fan-belt by the Officer-in-Charge. He was allegedly released on Sunday at 23:00 hours having paid a $25 000 admission of guilt fine. When his brother found out what had happened, he allegedly sent the victim away from his home for his involvement in politics. BM, who is unemployed, no longer has any accommodation.

JS claims that he presented a speech at the MDC 5th Anniversary celebrations as Vice President of ZINASU. The celebrations were held at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield. After the event, the victim claims that he and BM proceeded to Kuwadzana 5. JS reportedly dropped an MDC cloth. He claims that about 45 minutes later 3 National Service youth militia approached him and his friend. The National Youth service youth militia allegedly took them to a secluded place, where they were searched. It is asserted that the youths then found the MDC cloth in JS’s pocket. JS was accused of being an MDC activist who was responsible for the bombing of a ZANU PF supporter during the campaign for the March 2003 by-election for Kuwadzana constituency[6]. because he was in possession of an MDC cloth. JS claims that the 3 youth militia had then been joined by about 8 others. JS alleges that he was slapped in the face, kicked with booted feet and was also hit with an empty bottle in-between the buttocks. JS further claims that one of the perpetrators assaulted him using a belt buckle and a metal rod on the right elbow. He claims to have been beaten from 21:00 hours to about 03:00 hours and was then handed over to Kuwadzana 2 Police Station. It is alleged that the victim was then locked up in the cells and subjected to further assault by the police.

13 September 2004

SM claims that at around 19:30 hours, police officers came to the home of Nelson Chamisa, MDC MP for Kuwadzana constituency, where the victim resides. Officer Tekere allegedly headed the group of police officers. It is reported that the Police arrested about 14 people and searched the house. SM however, apparently managed to escape. It is reported that at around 20:30 hours, SM went to the shops to wait for Chamisa. SM then apparently decided to go back since Chamisa didn't show up. However, he did not notice that he was being followed. SM claims that he saw a Mazda B2200 vehicle parked in front of him and two people alighted from the vehicle, one was in Army uniform and the other in plain clothes. SM alleges that the two tried to abduct him, and when people noticed what was happening, they quickly boarded the vehicle and sped off. In the process, the victim claims that he was thrown on the ground and fell on his back, hurting his previously injured back.

 

 

 

 

Mbare East

6 September 2004

RM reports that on the day of the incident she had gone to buy some materials for her vending business. When she alighted from the commuter omnibus she was allegedly accused by unknown assailants of having a daughter who is an MDC supporter. She claims that the assailants alleged that they had seen her daughter distributing flyers for the MDC 5th Anniversary celebrations and that her daughter had then run away. The assailants demanded to know were RM's daughter was. RM claims that she was slapped in the face and she could not see properly. She further alleges that she was kicked with booted feet. RM was then reportedly pushed in front of an oncoming vehicle. The vehicle swerved to avoid hitting RM, however, RM bumped against the vehicle and fell to the pavement. She reportedly sustained injuries on the right leg, hip and shoulder down to her wrist. The victim also claims that when she walks she feels pain around her genital area.

 

Mbare West

8 September 2004

∑. NCA Chairperson, Lovemore Madhuku, was reportedly arrested at his house in Waterfalls at around 04:00 hours in connection with a demonstration he organised against the proposed NGO Bill. He reportedly spent the day at Harare Central Police Station being interrogated regarding the reasons for the NCA’s demonstration, distribution of flyers and presentation of a petition to the South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jeremiah Ndou. The police then reportedly went with him to the NCA offices in Harare where they conducted a search for subversive materials and weapons but failed to find anything. Madhuku was reportedly threatened with death and the police officers interrogating him made reference to the assassination of liberation war hero Herbert Chitepo in the late 70’s. He was released without charge at 17:00 hours after civic society leaders had presented themselves at the Harare Central Police Station in solidarity with him.

10 September 2004

While MM, MZ, TC, ES and CD were playing football at Kingstone Grounds in Mbare, they were reportedly harassed by ZANU PF youths who accused them of being MDC activists. The ZANU PF youths allegedly stoned the victims. Other people with whom they were playing football were beaten up but the victims allegedly ran away. It is reported that MM,MZ,TC,ES and CD are now living in fear as CIO agents have reportedly come to their homes on countless occasions looking for them. They have all allegedly relocated to different places for their safety.

11 September 2004

EZ, MDC Vice Secretary for Ward 12, is allegedly suspected of being one of the people that assaulted a ZANU PF activist who was pulling down MDC posters for the MDC’s 5th Anniversary celebrations at Kingstone Grounds. EZ claims that although he sometimes plays soccer at Kingstone Grounds, he was not at the grounds on the day the ZANU PF supporter was assaulted. EZ claims that he is now being victimized because of the assault even though he had no involvement in it. The police are allegedly coming to his house daily threatening to arrest him.

Mashonaland Central

Bindura

5 September 2004

On 5 September 2004 at around 20:00 hours, a group of ZANU PF youths allegedly came to KC’s house and demanded to talk to him. He reportedly managed to escape through the window. The youths then allegedly told KC’s wife that he should relocate to another town or risk being killed. They also allegedly told the landlord that he should not accept KC’s rentals even if he offered him an increased rental. The landlord was allegedly ordered to throw KC’s belongings outside. Before the youths left they are said to have promised to come back and deal with the victim at anytime. KC reportedly had to relocate to Harare and is now looking for accommodation as he has nowhere to stay.

Mazowe West

17 September 2004

SC was allegedly displaced from Mvurwi because he is an MDC activist. SC alleges that on 17 September 2004 at around 02:00 hours he heard a knock on his house. He ignored the knock but his door was allegedly kicked open by ZANU PF supporters who subjected him to verbal abuse. One of the ZANU PF supporters reportedly hit him on his head with handcuffs, telling him that he had only 2 days to vacate the area because he had been labelled as being dangerous. SC claims that the men were driving a white Nissan Hardbody. SC was reportedly forced to relocate to Harare for his own safety.

Mashonaland East

 Marondera East

6 September 2004

JJ alleges that as he was walking in central Marondera, ZANU PF youths started accusing him of organizing a political meeting in the town since he is a member of the MDC. They allegedly assaulted him and ordered him to remove his shoes and follow them to the ZANU PF Head Quarters but he refused to go with them. It is reported that some war veterans arrived and took him to their office. Police officers are alleged to have arrived at the ZNLWVA offices and told the war veterans that they could deal with JJ after which the police would take him into their custody. The police reportedly later picked him up on allegations of destroying a ZANU PF car in Hwedza. He was allegedly acquitted in court but upon his discharge, the victim claims that the CIO and war veterans have told him that they never want to see him in Marondera again. It is reported that the victim has had to relocate to Harare.

Chikomba

11 September 2004

11 NCA youth and gender representatives from Chikomba District were reportedly conducting a meeting with about 20 or so more people. Around 12:00 hours National Youths Service youths and police officers reportedly arrived and ordered the participants to disperse. The 11 NCA members allegedly requested the reason for the dispersal of the meeting. This reportedly angered the National Youth Service youths and police officers who allegedly ordered them to roll in the mud. It is further alleged that they were beaten on their toes and backs. Two of them were reportedly isolated from the rest at Sadza T/Ship until 16:00 hours.

Hwedza

19 September 2004

WM claims that he went to Sango Growth Point with the intention of organizing a soccer team of MDC youths. It is alleged that a soccer match was to take place that afternoon between Barnabas MDC youths and Sango MDC youths. About 5 ZANU PF youths allegedly approached WM and the other MDC youths accusing them of being MDC supporters who were wooing other youths to the MDC. It is reported that WM was then kicked with booted feet and slapped. WM claims that he fell to the ground. He further claims that his arm was broken and his elbow dislocated. WM alleges that among those who assaulted him were Edson Kahari, Walter Takaendisa and Itai Chinengundu.

Mudzi

11 September 2004

GC claims that on the day of the incident he was at Kotwa Bus Terminus reading the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper. He then boarded a bus to Nyamuyeka but before the bus had travelled more than 150 metres from the terminus, it was reportedly stopped by ZANU PF youths. It is alleged that ZANU PF youths then started to search all bags on the bus claiming that they were looking for a bag that contained old newspapers, some of which had been dropped by one of the passengers. GC reports that he refused to have his bag searched, as the youths did not have a search warrant. The youths allegedly forcibly took GC’s bag and threw the contents onto the floor of the bus. It is reported that they picked up an old cutting of President Robert Mugabe that GC had in his wallet. He was accused of being an MDC supporter and was allegedly assaulted all over his body with fists. He claims that he was also slapped and assaulted with a wooden log on the left side of his chest and right knee. The victim claims that the assault took place at around 18:30 hours. The youths then reportedly took him to the police station and informed the police that GC was in possession of papers that insulted the President. GC claims that the police did not record any statement from him but merely arrested him and locked him up in the cells. The police are said to have denied GC medical treatment for the injuries that he had sustained in the assault by the ZANU PF youths. He claims that he was detained in the cells until Monday 13 September 2004. GC was released at around 16:00 hours after a search conducted at his residence yielded nothing. He was allegedly made to pay a fine of $25 000 before his release.

Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe

2 September 2004

AC’s parents, SC and CC, are allegedly taking ZANU PF activists, who reportedly attacked them and burnt their home, to court. AC has reportedly been subjected to intimidation because of this. On the night of 2 September 2004, ZANU PF supporters allegedly went to his house and stoned the house and further intimidated him. AC has since had to relocate to Harare.

Mashonaland west

Hurungwe East

8 September 2004

∑. ZANU PF Committee member in charge of the youth in Karoi, Themba Mliswa, was reportedly barred from attending a ZANU PF Inter-District meeting at Chikangwe Hall on allegations that he supported the incumbent ZANU PF MP Reuben Marumahoko. Mliswa was allegedly manhandled until he fled to his car. His vehicle, a Hyundai, was reportedly stoned and the windscreen smashed. He is said to have reported the case to Karoi Police Station and the case number is 0419423. It is reported that there is a lot of ZANU PF intra-party political violence in the district that started when the district failed to elect a substantive ZANU PF District Coordinating Chairperson during the elections for this post