The ruling Zanu-PF party faces allegations of involvement in human rights violations across Zimbabwe, including increased cases of harassment, intimidation, and extrajudicial killings of citizens, as reported by the latest Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) report.
The report documents 145 human rights violations, encompassing harassment, discrimination, abduction, eviction, unlawful detention, theft, and assault. The majority of perpetrators, accounting for 69.41%, were linked to Zanu-PF, followed by traditional leaders (8.53%), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (7.94%), members of the defense forces (5.29%), and municipal officers (2.94%). Additionally, members affiliated with the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) constituted 1.47% of perpetrators, while 4.41% were not associated with any group.
Incidents were documented across various provinces, with Mashonaland West recording the highest number of violations. Among the reported incidents were cases of harassment and assault by members of the defense forces, such as the raiding and assault of teachers in Chegutu West and Pfupajena Government School, and the fatal shooting of a man by security guards at Baguta Farm Compound in Chinhoyi.
Furthermore, the report highlighted instances of violence against street moneychangers by Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) members in Gweru, following threats made by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. It also documented forced contributions towards Independence Day celebrations and cases of intimidation and assault against CCC activists in various locations.
Former legislator Dexter Nduna was reported to have threatened the management of Kajombo Mine for employing CCC supporters, indicating a pattern of targeting opposition affiliates.
The ZPP called for investigations by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) into the conduct of the military and urged the police to conduct thorough investigations into reported criminal cases involving political actors. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of political tolerance and accountability in ending impunity and achieving peace.
