ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS NGO FORUM

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ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS NGO FORUM

POLITICAL VIOLENCE REPORT: SEPTEMBER 2002

09 October 2002

A report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum

The month of September saw the holding of council elections for 1 397 rural district council and 27 urban wards over the weekend of 28 and 29September 2002. It was reported that militant Zanu PF youths unleashed a reign of terror forcing many MDC supporters to withdraw their candidature.1 In the race, only six hundred and forty six seats available were contested by the opposition, due to, among other factors, the ongoing victimisation and persecution of opposition party members.

Zanu PF saw this to mean that their popularity had returned and that the electorate had realised their mistake in supporting the opposition, MDC. On the other hand, the MDC alleges that most of their candidates withdrew from contesting in the elections after threats and intimidation by Zanu PF supporters and in some cases by state agents.

In Shurugwi, Herbert Mhlanga was reportedly forced to withdraw his candidature by Zanu PF youths and was forced to surrender all his MDC t-shirts and cards following unspecified threats from Chief Mapendere. Joshua Tongogara and Anthony Musindo were also allegedly forced to withdraw their candidature for the Shurugwi rural district and council elections after persistent visits and unspecified threats of intimidation by Zanu PF youths and CIO agents. Leornad Mhlanga, former Zanu PF chairman for Bubi-Umguza who defected to the MDC three months ago citing mismanagement by the Zanu PF, was allegedly barred from contesting in the urban ward on an MDC ticket, on the basis that his father was Malawian. However, according to the Urban Councils Act, he qualified to stand as a candidate in the elections.

ln Chivi North, Charity Vimbainashe Zvidza, the daughter of Elson Zvidza, MDC candidate for Ward 13 in the September 2002 rural district council elections, reportedly fled to Zvishavane with her brothers after more than fifty Zanu PF youths stormed their homestead in Hapazari Village in Chivi, wielding sticks and clubs. In Chegutu, Stephen Nyikadzino was allegedly assaulted by Zanu PF youths who then confiscated the MDC nomination papers that he had. He was on his way to the nomination court in Chegutu. In Seke, TS claims that he was severely assaulted by Zanu PF supporters for intending to contest in Ward 15 on an MDC ticket.

War veterans have allegedly been supplemented by army personnel in the wave of land evictions in some parts of the country. It has been alleged that well-known military personnel are behind the latest wave of ultimatums and evictions taking place in Mashonaland West, East and Central. Mr Cochraine, who owns a farm in Karoi, was reportedly approached and forced off his farm by a group of about sixty to seventy suspected army officials, armed with automatic shotguns and rifles. In another related incident at Wicklow Farm, Selous, the farm owners were forced leave the premises temporarily for security reasons following a 24-hours notice to vacate the farm from the police, army officers, and the CIO agents. At Chakoma Estates in Goromonzi, General Constantine Chiwenga, his wife Joselyn Chiwenga and a T. Mautsa have been reportedly implicated in the forcible take over of Chakoma Estates in Goromonzi and produce from the farm valued at $125m.

Forced evictions appear to have spread to companies in some parts of the country. Reports were recorded of company officials that have been subjected to threats and intimidatory visits at work and at home by CIO agents, as well as humiliation before their workforce.3 In one case, Chikerema and Hamadziripi of the ZNLWVA are allegedly trying to forcibly take over a $230m Bindura Engineering Firm, Hammond Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, in defiance of a High Court order issued on the 4th of September 2002. Chikerema reportedly led a group of about 50 Zanu PF youths to evict the company's owners, George Hammond and his wife Elaine.

In comparison to the month of August, cases of political intimidation in September declined to twenty from thirty-five and cases of assault rose from twenty three to thirty-eight. One case of murder was reported to the local press. Nikoniari Chibvamudeve was allegedly hacked to death by Zanu PF supporters in Hurungwe West ahead of the two day by-election which was held on 28 and 29 September 2002. He was reportedly brutally murdered by youths suspected to have been deployed by Zanu supporters to drum up support for its candidate.

The majority of the evidence recorded by the Human Rights Forum point to the Zanu PF as the main instigator of violence in the just ended September 2002 rural district and council elections. However, this is not to say that the MDC had no involvement in political violence.

Totals 1 to 30 September 2002

Cumulative Totals 1 January 2002 – 30 September 2002

Sources: The information contained in this report is derived from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum Legal Unit statements, CFU reports, newspaper reports, and statements taken by the member organisations of the Human Rights Forum. (See last page for list of member organisations)

Notes to the tables:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Note: The identities of victims that have not been published in the press and are not public officials are protected by the use of initials.

· OM claims that he was assaulted by Zanu PF militia at his home for supporting the MDC and for intending to contest in Ward 15 in the council elections held in September. Around 1300hrs, Zanu PF militia came in two trucks to the victim's house in Unit D, Seke and ordered the victim to come with them. They beat him up with sticks when he refused to comply. The assailants later fled, and the police came and took the victim to the hospital where the cut on his head was stitched.

· About thirty people arrived at HF's house at Lynn Farm, forced entry, and dragged him into a truck amid kicks, and slaps. One Mr. Chitota, who apparently was the "boss" of the kidnappers, met them along the way and took the victim to the farm compound where they chanted anti-MDC songs and slogans. The victim was called a sell out who deserved to be kicked out of his farm. After about an hour the neighbours brought about six war veterans and some police officers to the victim's residence. The police took a statement from the victim and they took him to Beatrice Police Station. The member-in-charge informed him that the war veterans had been annoyed by the client who had ploughed down their crops. HF explained that he had authority of the lands committee to continue farming and was therefore set free.

· Moses Chitindo, a police officer and four other police officers entered OM's bedroom and searched through the room. Having found nothing OM was ordered to dress up. They informed him that they were looking for guns. The victim, a youth secretary for MDC, was taken to Chitungwiza police station and interrogated on Kitsiyatota's whereabouts. Kitsiyatota is an MDC activist being sought in connection with the murder of Ali Khan Manjengwa in Mbare. He was then taken to Harare Central Police Station together with three others who had been captured, and was handed over to Detective Inspector Dhowa who interrogated him again about Kitsiyatota and the possession of guns. On professing ignorance, he was assaulted under the feet whilst in leg irons. He was ordered to undress, was taken underground where more assaults were perpetrated. He was forced to confess at gunpoint that he had received military training in Norton. He was blindfolded, had a gun poked into his mouth and was taken to Goromonzi Police Station where he was forced to confess to the whereabouts of Kitsiyatota under the application of electric shocks. Under duress the victim then told them where Kitsiyatota's wife was. No charges were pressed against Chitindo. He suffered injuries under the feet cheek, buttocks and arms.

· TT, an MDC activist reports that CIO agents arrested him, on allegations that he had a pending case in Marondera where he used to stay. On their way to Chitungwiza Police Station, the victim was asked about Kitsiyatota's whereabouts. Mwanjaranji, a CIO agent assaulted TT with sticks under the feet, open hands and fists before the assailants arrested 3 other MDC activists. Inspector Dhowa and lnspector Dhliwayo also interrogated the victim at Harare Central Police Station, with Inspector Dhowa stepping on the victim's knee with booted feet. On 14 September the victim was forced to sign an affidavit, which stated how the victim knew Kitsiyatota. TT was released on 16 September 2002, and told to report to the police on 18 September 2002, and to bring information on the whereabouts of Kitsiyatota on 20 September 2002. No charges were laid against TT.

· ST was severely assaulted by Zanu PF supporters for allegedly intending to contest in Ward 15 on an MDC ticket. He currently complains of pains on the back, legs and hands.

· A group of Zanu PF youths came to RM's house looking for her husband in Unit D, Seke at around 5pm. As he was away, they took the wife instead to their candidate's house, C.M Chikwirakomo, in Seke. He was the candidate for the rural district council elections on a Zanu PF ticket. There, the victim was assaulted with sjamboks and a plank. A stone was also thrown on her face. She was only released around 6pm after a whole day's torture. (refer to Case 2 in the photographs document)

· Tapiwa Mashakada, the MDC MP, was arrested on suspicion that he took part in the bombing of the Voice of the People Offices in Milton Park. He was not charged and was released. It is alleged that the police got an anonymous tip to the effect that Mashakada had taken part in the bombing of the premises, a private radio station not licenced by the government. This came twenty-one days after the bombing of the Daily News offices by unidentified people.

· ST was at Magaba Bakers Inn in Mbare when suddenly a mob of Zanu PF supporters surrounded him chanting anti MDC slogans, assaulting him and calling the victim names. They alleged that he was one of Mr. Hakata's supporters. Mr. Hakata is the MDC Councilor for Harare East. ST was clapped on his left cheek with an open hand. As he tried to flee the area, one of the assailants struck the victim's left eye with an object. He was kicked several times on the chest with booted feet.

· LC was having dinner in his room around 2000hrs when three Zanu PF youths arrived at his home and demanded to know why he had not attended a Zanu PF meeting which was being held at that particular moment. They dragged him downstairs where ten more Zanu PF supporters assaulted him with fan belts on his back. He was kicked several times with booted feet on the left, on the chest and on the right arm. They stole $800 from the victim, an ID card, and his hat. The victim was then dragged to a Zanu PF meeting which was being held between block twelve and thirteen at Shawasha flats. Later the victim was released and went to report the case to the police. The police, however, did not take any action.

· Linos Mushonga's brother, Adrian, alleged that about nine policemen from the CID stormed into their house, woke them up and assaulted the victim, his brother and a maid, demanding that Mushonga surrender the pistol that was used to kill Ali Khan Manjengwa, who was shot in one block of the Nenyere flats in Mbare while coming from a meeting. He was a prominent Zanu PF activist who campaigned for the President, Robert Mugabe, in the March 2002 presidential elections. The assailants demanded that Linos Mushonga hand them over the keys to the house so they could search for the pistol that was used to kill Manjengwa. The victim and his brother were then taken to Waterfalls Police Station where they were assaulted with clenched fists and booted feet accusing Adrian Mushonga of concealing Linos' alleged activities. Adrian was interrogated for about four days in police cells, he came back blindfolded with a military camouflage shirt, wet all over, raising suspicions that he had passed out at some stage as they assaulted him along the way. The shirt he was wearing when he was arrested was tainted with dry blood from days of torture. Linos Mushonga sustained a dislocated ankle, bruises and lacerations from the brutal police torture. It is also alleged that Linos Mushonga's maid was assaulted by the CID officers who ordered her to produce all the keys to Mushonga's house. She alleged that the assailants chased her all over the house and turned things up side down while some of them assaulted Linos Mushonga in the other room. This case of assault follows the murder of Zanu PF activist Ali Khan Manjengwa,

· About twenty Zanu PF supporters were going around with sticks, iron bars and empty bottles assaulting innocent civilians. They allegedly attacked Tongesai Goremucheche, an MDC supporter, at Nenyere flats. He sustained a swollen cheek and a cut on his face. The victim alleged that he could not retaliate, as he believed the police would come after him. Goremucheche reported the case to officers at Matapi Police Station and it has been confirmed by one of the officers that investigations are underway. This follows the murder of Ali Khan Manjengwa, who was murdered in August 2002 in unclear circumstances in Mbare

· A female informal trader at Mupedzanhamo flea market in Mbare was assaulted by unnamed Zanu PF youths on accusations that she had ululated when she heard that Ali Khan Manjengwa had been murdered.

· Zanu PF youths allegedly assaulted AM for not attending a Zanu PF meeting held at Shawasha flats. The group of about twenty went to the victim’s room, forced down the door and allegedly assaulted him with sjamboks, booted feet and open hands. AM was taken to Harare Central Police Station and was accused of being part of the group which had killed Ali Khan Manjengwa. The victim was then released on 14 September 2002 around 10:00am. He was ordered to report back to the police on 16 September 2002. Statements were recorded but no charges were pressed against the victim. The victim claims that he lost $26 400 during the assault.

· Reports have shown that at least eleven teachers have not reported for school since the beginning of the third term, citing rampant intimidation, death threats and assaults by Zanu PF supporters and war veterans. Mr. Muti of Mutasa Secondary School was seriously assaulted while his wife Mrs. Muti was intimidated to the extent that she was forced to flee the area. Murabanda and the other teachers claim that they were assaulted and intimidated by Zanu PF vigilantes over the school holidays and some of them were threatened with death. Svinurai, a teacher at the school, is also alleged to have fled the area to Harare. Stanislous Chikukwa, a national executive member of the ZNLWVA based in Manicaland, dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign against the war veterans. Takavafira Zhou, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president, said that teachers must seriously consider putting the victimisation to an end by any means necessary.

· SM claims that he was severely assaulted with heavy logs by about sixteen Zanu PF supporters who came to his house and asked for his MDC party credentials. Having handed them over, the victim was allegedly assaulted on the soles of the feet, the back and shoulders, only releasing him go after three hours. The victim now complains of a painful back, chest and feet.

· AM, an MDC activist and Ward Vice Chairman for Buhera, was herding his cattle when seven Zanu PF activists: Obert Windizi, Mari Khumalo, Hosiah Tsuro, Lovemore Nyamayaro, Taurai Nyarume, Murambiwa Tigoni and Mubayi approached him holding voters' rolls which they had confiscated from an aspiring MDC councilor. The victim was accused of including their names in the rolls and was allegedly assaulted with sticks whilst lying on his stomach and was beaten on the buttocks and back. He confronted the incumbent councilor on the violence in the area and his subsequent assault. However the councilor professed ignorance. The case was not reported to the police.

· It was reported that Gift Dhliwayo, a traditional healer of Tanganda Halt in Chipinge, was asleep in his house with his family at around 3am, when about twenty-five Zanu PF supporters attacked his house, destroying property worth about $700 000. They threw stones and bricks at the house, injuring his daughter on the back. Asbestos roofing sheets, windows and traditional herbs were also destroyed in the attack. The attackers reduced the hut to ashes and there were stones and glass all over the place when the reporters arrived the following morning to take a report. The assailants threatened to kill him and his family because he sympathises with the opposition party, MDC. The victim alleges that he reported the matter to the police but nothing had been done as yet. Dhliwayo identified two of the assailants and although he handed over their names to the police, the suspects were not convicted and the victim actually saw them boasting about the attack that same afternoon, walking around the township. Dhliwayo entered the political arena during the presidential elections when he joined the opposition MDC. During the ensuing bloody campaigns, his hut was set on fire and property worth thousands of dollars was destroyed and about $23 000 cash was destroyed.

· John Hwenhira of the MDC and his wife were severely assaulted and left for dead by suspected Zanu PF supporters. No reason was given for the assault. Pishai Muchauraya, MDC provincial spokesman, has insisted that Zanu PF vigilantes were on the warpath against the MDC in the area.

· There have been press reports to the effect that Zanu PF officials and CIO agents have subjected some company officials to threats, intimidatory visits at work and home, as well as humiliation before their workforce. The company officials are being forced to sell their shares and their companies at prices way lower than their actual market value. It has also been alleged that the company officials cannot refuse these offers, which are like a fraction of their real market value. Companies, which have been attacked, include an engineering firm, a small chrome expoter, a baking company and a cement manufacturer all in Bindura.

· Elliot Manyika, the Minister of Youth, Gender, and Employment Creation, Zanu PF Political Commissar and Acting Governor for Mashonaland Central, together with Bindura police officers, twelve Zanu PF supporters and war veterans namely Dickson Mafios, John Muchavepi, Cannan Nyaminhepa, Remigio Matangiro, Timothy Timothy, Joshua Kazaka, Mr. Mazivarimwe, Lot Gora Mataka, Mazivarimwe and Comrade Chitate are alleged to have severely assaulted Keiphas Madzorera on allegations of supporting the MDC. The assailants threatened to kill the victim together with his family if they were to come across them in the area. The victim alleges that he was once stabbed in the chest and chased him away from Bindura by the group. Manyika hit the victim using an iron bar and someone else stabbed his right ear with a knife, injuring him on the eardrum. All the accused, including Manyika, were served with the provisional order papers by a police constable identified as 050782V at Bindura Police Station, after Madzorera won a provincial order barring Manyika and his colleagues from assaulting him. This called on Manyika to show cause why the order barring him from assaulting Madzorera should not be effected by 12 September 2002, when the matter was set down for hearing. By the date of the report, it was not yet clear whether Manyika and the Zanu PF supporters would challenge the order before the return date.

· Some villagers at Trojan Mine had property worth tens of millions of dollars damaged and looted by a Zanu PF mob. The mob is said to have been angered by the residents' failure to attend a Zanu PF meeting held at the mine's stadium that morning. Eunice Levi, a five months pregnant woman alleges that she was prodded in the stomach by some of the youths, who accused her of faking her pregnancy. They beat her up on the back with sticks while police officers residing next door watched. Levi alleged that one of the assailants was picked up later on by the police. The man was allegedly holding a Zanu PF card in his hand, and he told the police that he was ferried from Mt. Darwin in a district development truck, but refused to say who had ordered them to attack the mine villagers. A three-year-old girl was also assaulted but no reason was given for the assault. Henry Chembiri, the MDC Information and Publicity Secretary for Mashonaland Central, claimed that Elliot Manyika, the Minister of Youth Gender and Employment Creation, was linked to the assaults on Trojan Mine. Other assailants identified were Dickson Mafiosi; Ezekiel Motsi; Eliah Chikamba and Lazarus Miti. The mob, armed with iron bars, slashers, sticks, axe-handles, electric cables and catapults, attacked the residents, injuring hundreds. Places of worship at the Trojan mine were also destroyed, clothes varying amounts of cash and groceries were stolen from the houses. One supermarket in Section 1 of the Trojan Mine was stoned. Most of the victims of the assault were treated at Trojan Mine Hospital, Bindura Hospital and Shashi Private Hospitals.

· Edward Chikerema, Zanu PF, and Kowerai Hamadziripi of the ZNLWVA are allegedly trying to forcibly take over a $230m Bindura Engineering Firm, Hammond Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, owned by Elaine Hammond and George Hammond, in defiance of a High Court order issued on 4 September 2002. Hamadziripi and Chikerema previously tried to force the Hammonds to sell them the company for only $65m, before Justice Hungwe granted the company a temporary order barring the two war veterans and other farm workers from interfering with the business. Chikerema reportedly led a group of about fifty Zanu PF youths to evict the company's owners, George Hammond and his wife Elaine, who are both in their sixties. Those in the group included Shoeshine Mbata, Godfrey Chanetsa, Kenias Mavura, Benjamin Murape, Tenganai Punzaro and Onias Nhemachena.The mob proceeded to eject Peter Arnold, the company's managing director, from his home. Arnold alleges that he saw Chikerema dropping off Zanu PF youths from a Mazda B1800, which he had stolen from the victim three weeks earlier. The mob told the victims not be seen any where within the vicinity of Mashonaland province, by 5pm that day. They manhandled Arnold and confiscated the keys to his house, car and workshop. The victims alleged that they had reported the case to the police and they said they would see what they could do with the assailants.

· The Zanu PF MP for Muzarabani, Nobbie Dzinzi, is alleged to have arrived in the area with five lorries, carrying nearly 300 Zanu PF youths who then beat up the suspected MDC supporters within the Chakaenda Ward of Muzarabani. Several villagers suspected to be MDC were reportedly being held hostage at Chimoio base after they were severely beaten up in front of officials from the Zimbabwe Election Supervisory Network at Gunduza business center. It is also alleged that Solomon Mazarire, Isaac Karimete, Mwaka Katsamwa and Paulos Nhete were admitted at hospitals in Harare after they sustained injuries from these attacks. Elliot Manyika, the acting governer and resident Minister for Mashonaland Central, said that he was not aware of the incident. Dzambara, the MDC spokesman for Muzarabani, said that the political climate in Muzarabani was not conducive to holding free and fair elections.

· Zanu PF youths descended on the SM's home at around 12 noon and accused her of having reported some of them to the police, leading to their arrest. They also accused the victim of being an MDC election monitor during the council elections held in September 2002. They force-marched the victim to their base in Mushinye, Muzarabani, where they assaulted her under the feet and on the back with a wire and an iron bar while lying in a prone position. At night more Zanu PF supporters were called in and the victim was further assaulted until the following morning. The victim alleged that after the whole day's beatings, she could hardly walk, sit or stand. The following day the other victims were allowed to leave but SM could not because of the condition that she was in. The assailants then decided to ferry her home in a scotch-cart. When she got home, she quickly packed her belongings as she had been ordered not to stay at her home ever again. She left for Harare. No report was made to the police. (refer to Case 3 in the photographs document)

· At around 0100hrs DN heard a knock on the door and orders to come out of the house. He went out and was faced by Zanu PF youths who then ordered him to follow them as they rounded up other MDC supporters in the area. They arrived at the house of another MDC supporter but only the wife was there. She was ordered to watch while the youths assaulted the victim, to serve as a warning to her husband to stop supporting the MDC. The victim was ordered to lie in a prone position and was assaulted thoroughly on the buttocks. On their way to a Zanu FP base the victim escaped but he was met by another group of Zanu PF youths who also assaulted him. He was then forcemarched to their base in Chimoio. The victim was only released on 26 September 2002 but was cautioned not to report to the police or else they would kill him. The victim complied and did not report to the police. (refer to Case 1 in the photographs document)

· It was alleged that there were no nominees for the eighteen wards in Shamva because all the candidates were barred by the Zanu PF youths. On one occasion, Zanu PF youths stoned an MDC vehicle but no reason was given for the attack. The MDC spokesman for Mashonaland Central (a Zanu PF stronghold), Henry Chimbiri, alleged that most of the opposition candidates were barred from filling their nomination papers.

· General Constantine Chiwenga, Jocelyn Chiwenga, his wife, and T. Mautsa have been reportedly implicated in the forcible take-over of Chakome Estates in Goromonzi and produce from the farm valued at $125m. They are said to have demanded money for the produce already sold by Chakoma Estates to Farnaby Management Consultants and Hortico, saying Chakoma Estates belonged to them. Chiwenga and his wife have already reportedly received $80m for flowers and vegetables belonging to Shephered Hall Farm. According to the documents in the High court, Mrs Chiwenga spearheaded the siege of the farm, accompanied by armed guards. The trio allegedly used force and threats to grab the farm. Parts of the affidavits by Roger Stauton, a director of Shepherd Hall Farm (Pvt) Ltd, a company operating the Estate, showed that Jocelyn Chiwenga said that she had not tasted white blood since 1980, and that she needed just the slightest excuse to kill somebody. She is alleged to have ordered one of her guards to kill 'the white bastards' and the guard closest to the victim cocked his weapon and pointed it at him in a menacing manner. The Estate grows vegetables and flowers, mainly for export. Justice Matika prohibited Afex Zimbabwe from remitting to Mautsa all funds currently in its possession emanating from the sale of flowers from Shephered Hall Farm by Mautsa, until the court directs the company to disburse the money to such person as it may, after considering evidence, deem to be the lawful beneficiary of the funds. He ordered Mautsa to surrender any money that has been disbursed to him by the company. Afex Zimbabawe is to pay into an account to be approved by the Registrar of the High Court, all funds currently in its possession realised from sales of the produce from the farm. The same order was also granted against the Chiwengas, Mautsa and Hortico, except that they were to disclose the bank statements reflecting the proceeds of exports of the produce to the farmer's lawyer, Constantine Mkinya of Mkinya and Associates.

· It has been reported that school children and resettled farmers at Eirene Farm in Chief Svosve's area near Marondera now have to relocate to another area, Mapuranga Farm, after they were served with an eviction order to leave the farm. The children will have to cross a river and some bushes from Mapuranga Farm, about 30km, in order to access the school back in Eirene Farm, as there is no school at Mapuranga. The victims alleged that they had been fooled into believing that they had become the new owners of the farm after they had been resettled under the A1 model three years ago. The victims also alleged that the farm had been, in fact, reserved for Government officials who wanted the farmhouses and farming equipment left by the white farmers. The victims claims that their lives at Mapuranga would be unbearable, as there were no facilities necessary for every day living, such as a grinding mill, which was only at Eirene Farm. One of the victims alleged that the people staying at Mapuranga at that moment drank water from the same dam that animals used. The farmers were resettled at the farm three years ago under the A1 model. Hamish Charters formerly owned the farm.

· RM, an aspiring MDC councilor who had registered as a candidate in the September 2002 rural district and council elections, was asleep in his house when twelve policemen from Mutoko ZRP came to his homestead and fired gunshots into the air more than eight times. The victim came out and was told that he was under arrest and was taken to the police camp. He was accused of having played a part in the murder of Ali Khan Manjengwa, a Zanu PF activist who was shot in a flat in Mbare. The following day he was taken to Harare Central Police Station, together with the MDC District Chairman, in the guard of CID members who then tortured and detained them to 6 September 2002. They never appeared in court but statements were recorded at Harare Central Police Station. The victim was released on 6 September 2002 around 11am.

· Chatambarara, Makichi, Mai Kazhanje (nurse), all of whom are war veterans, Ketani (a Zanu PF youth leader) and several other Zanu PF supporters allegedly deflated the wheels of the bus in which TG was travelling in. He was coming from an MDC meeting with other MDC supporters. The assailants called out their names and TG was assaulted with sticks. He managed to flee, but was stoned on the back. He suffered injuries on the back, chest, and sustained a sprained ankle. The case was reported to the police but no arrests have been made as yet.

· FC, MDC District Chairman for Mutoko, was on a Mutoko bound bus coming from an MDC meeting in Harare when he and others were confronted and attacked by Zanu PF supporters and war veterans who demanded to see the victim and two other MDC supporters. He claims that they were dragged out of the bus and assaulted with sticks and sjamboks. Amongst the group was Chatambarara, Hodzi, Makichi (war veterans) and Mai Kazhanje (war veteran and nurse). The victim was assaulted all over the body and he suffered bruises on his body and a cut above the right eye. He passed out and they left him for dead. The case was reported to the police but no arrests have been made as yet. The victim lost some clothing, two pairs of shoes and $10 000 cash.

· OC had visited his grandparents when he was allegedly abducted by a group of Zanu PF youths at Jembere shop and was interrogated on MDC activities in the area. They took the victim to a nearby river and made him roll in the water then on the bank of a river and then beat him up. Their leader, Hodzi, who came in a truck, forced the victim onto it and beat him on all the joints using empty beer bottles. He was taken to a bush where he was assaulted together with the shop assistant. He was ordered to cover up his eyes and the assailants drove off beating him. They then abandoned him in the bush and removed his shoes and belt. He later found his way home.

· At around 1400hrs AM was abducted by war veterans allegedly for being an MDC supporter and for distributing MDC pamphlets and flyers to residents of Danstan Estates. He was assaulted with logs and bricks all over his body and with clenched fists on the face, head and rib cage. He was then taken to their nearby base where he was made to lie in a prone position and then assaulted with an electric cable several times on his buttocks and with pieces of a hose pipe. The victim was assaulted on the left arm and on the shoulder with the butt of a gun. One of the war veterans wanted to cut his throat but then he dunked his head and got cut on the middle finger. Later on around 0900hrs, the police came and they managed to rescue the victim but they did not arrest any one of the assailants.

· FM was reportedly assaulted by Zanu PF supporters at his home in Mashambanhaka Chipuriro for daring to stand in Ward 9 in the rural district council elections held on 28 and 29 September 2002 on an MDC ticket. The assailants came to the victim's house at about 2100hrs and accused him of standing for Councillor, therefore embarrassing the Zanu PF MP. The victim now complains of painful eyes and a painful left hand. The victim alleged that he was ordered not to leave the area for treatment.

· Stephen Nyikadzino, MDC secretary for Chitungwiza, claims that he had just arrived in Chegutu from Harare when some Zanu PF supporters started assaulting him and confiscated the MDC nomination papers that he had. The victim also alleges that nine of the MDC candidates ran away and that they would probably not register anymore in the rural district and council elections because of fear for their lives. The victim had gone to Chegutu to assist MDC candidate in registering for the nation-wide polls scheduled for 28 and 29 September 2002.

· About two hundred unidentified Zanu PF supporters reportedly besieged the Chegutu rural district council offices, assaulted an MDC official and detained Hilda Mafudze, the MDC MP for Mhondoro. The offices were the nomination courts for the rural district and council elections held in September 2002. The victim alleges that the youths chased away eight of their eleven candidates and it was not certain whether they would be courageous enough to return to register. Mafudze claims that she had come to make sure that all the MDC candidates were registered but when she arrived, Zanu PF youths assaulted MDC members. She complained that at that moment, she could not drive out of the yard as she has locked herself in the car. These assaults are allegedly taking place under the eyes of the police.

· At Wicklow Farm in Selous, it has been reported that police and army officers forced farm owners to leave their premises temporarily for 'security reasons'. The police, army officers, and the CIO agents gave the farmers 24-hours notice to vacate the farms. Prominent faces of war vetarans who had spearheaded the farm invasions since 2000 have reportedly suddenly disappeared from the scene, being replaced by military personnel. lt has been alleged that although firearms have been used in the past, this has become more dominant making the farming community suspect that there has been a change in the personalities commanding the land seizures.

· Cochraine, a farmer in Karoi, was approached by a group of about sixty to seventy suspected army personnel at his farm. The victim alleges that the army personnel tried to evict him from his farm, and the three who were armed with automatic shotguns intimidated and threatened him. The victim could not identify the assailants by name. Residents in the area have reported that war veterans have been replaced by well-known military personnel, who are now said to be behind the latest wave of ultimatums and evictions taking place in Mashonaland West, East and Central.

· AB and two of his colleagues at Nill Farm in Tengwe were reportedly assaulted by war veterans on allegations of continuously working for the employer when the farm was acquired by the government under Section 8, and with the farmer not having paid farm workers their terminal benefits. AB's workmates invited the war veterans to assault him and his work colleagues. War veterans arrived at around 1400hrs that day and ordered the disgruntled farm workers to beat up the victim and his accomplices. The victim and his friends fled from the area on 24 September, as there were rumours that the war veterans were coming for them again.

· At about 1400hrs at Meidon Farm a group of war veterans and settlers approached GW and accused him of supporting the MDC and the white farmer whom he worked for as a general hand. They reportedly assaulted him with sticks and open hands.

· At about 0300hrs war veterans came to Meidon Farm in Karoi and allegedly stoned the house in which AC was sleeping, injuring him on the forearm. He alleges that the assailants wanted to beat him up because he was continuing with his duties on the farm. AC was cut on the neck by wires as he tried to flee from the assailants. He went to the farmer's residence for help but his assailants followed him again. The victim managed to escape and he hurt his left ankle in the process.

· It has been reported that Nikoniari Chabvamudeve, an MDC member, was axed to death in the Chivende Communal area by suspected Zanu PF supporters as the violence in the run up to the 28-29 September rural district and council elections flaired. Chabvemudeve was reportedly brutally murdered by youths suspected to have been deployed by Zanu supporters to drum up support for its candidate. The youths were moving around in three pick up vehicles. However, the police spokesman, Wayne Bvudzijena, says that investigations have shown that the victim died in clashes over gold panning rights.

· Peter George Viljoen and his family were locked up in their farmhouse at Tevrede Farm in Mhangura in the afternoon. The victim alleged that he had been served with an eviction order, paid all his one hundred employees and was loading his truck so that he could leave when Major Mboweni who ordered him to leave all his personal belongings behind approached him. It has been reported that the victim made a report to Inspector Magwenzi of Mhangura police, but he has done nothing about the situation so far. The victim's son, Dirk, a cricketer for the Zimbabwean national team, was also locked up in the house together with his girlfriend, the victim's sister and brother-in-law. His son Dirk failed to attend a cricket match that he had scheduled for that afternoon. The fresh wave of evictions saw about two commercial farmers being ordered to leave their farms in Mashonland East and West. The victim pointed out that although he had been issued with section 8 order, the courts had overruled this, making the forced evictions illegal.

· The owner of Meme Estates in Banket was forced to flee his farmhouse when war veterans, two Libyans and one Major Murombedzi, armed with a rifle approached him and forced him to leave the premises.

· A group of about one hundred and twenty Zanu PF youths arrived at Elson Zvidza’s home in Hapazari Village, under Chief Makonese, singing anti MDC songs. They allegedly threatened to beat him up for standing as an MDC candidate in the rural district elections held in September 2002. It is alleged that there were many reports on Zanu PF supporters beating up MDC supporters in the area as the dates for the rural and council elections drew nearer.

· Charity Vimbainashe Zvidza, the daughter of Elson Zvidza, MDC's candidate for Ward 13 in Chivi North in the September rural and district council elections, and her brothers Aleck, Nyasha, Wellington, and nephew Adonis fled when a group of more than fifty Zanu PF youths wielding sticks and clubs advanced on their homestead around 10am. The youths reportedly surrounded their homestead, singing and shouting slogans and using strong abusive language denouncing Zvidza and his wife as puppets. The five victims only returned when the youths were away attending a party for Chikati Ruimbe, the Zanu PF candidate for the ward in the Council elections in Takawarasha Township. The incident was reported to Constable Makaya at Chivi Police Station. On a follow up the next day, no one answered the phone at the police station.

· Chief Rogers Nyamanda Masunda was allegedly humiliated infront of his subjects. He was grabbed and dragged outside the hall and put in a disused cell while eighty-five Headmen watched from a distance. He had his traditional headgear taken from him, symbolically stripping him of his powers. Masunda, a war veteran and chief's son, said his father was being victimised because he was related to the MDC candidate for Gutu Ward 11, Getrude Bora. By the time the report was taken, Gutu District Administrator, Felix Chikovo was still negotiating with the youths to return the chief's headdress. It was also alleged that Zanu PF youths were harassing, torturing and intimidating innocent civilians in Gutu North Constituency, accusing them of supporting the opposition MDC, ahead of the rural council and district elections.

· About twenty-three families invaded former Zanu PF MP Albert Chamwadoro’s farm near Mashava and reportedly went on a rampage driving out livestock in the face of their imminent eviction from the property, which they have allegedly been occupying illegally. The resettled farmers threatened to destroy the farmhouse after they were served with a High Court Order to vacate the property. The illegal settlers uprooted fences and threatened to mete out instant justice to Chamwadoro if he set foot on their property. The drum beating invaders, led by one Stephen Zibako, said they were settled on the farm by Masvingo Governer, Josiah Hungwe, and would only move out if they got the directive from him, not from the High Court. Hungwe was however not available to comment on the issue. Chamwadoro is the owner of the farm and he alleges that it is the only farm that he has. The High Court order for the invaders to vacate the farm by 31 September 2002 is still valid. Chadamwoyo bought the farm, Lot 1 of Allavale Farm, from the Shabani Mashava Mines in 1999.

· Michael Chitsama and Johannes Chongore were severely assaulted by suspected Zanu PF youths while they were waiting for transport to take them home soon after the nomination court. Chitsama was allegedly robbed of $20 000 meant for the funding of a number of MDC candidates in the area. The Zanu PF youths, armed with sticks and iron bars, were chanting anti-MDC slogans. However, fourteen MDC candidates were disqualified from the nomination court after they were allegedly misled by the officials from the registrar's office to bring wrong birth certificates. However, the Human Rights Forum could not find a provision in the Urban Councils Act for a specific type of birth certificate ideal for registration in the elections. Police in Zaka confirmed the incident but refused to give details.

· While conducting a workshop on social and economic issues at Ferry Training Center, a truck reported to be written, Zanu PF- DDF (ZAKA) came to the venue where TM was conducting the workshop, ending it prematurely. Edmore Munjanja was at the venue of the meeting when the truck pulled up and he took the victim with some resource materials including leaflets, to Jerera Growth Point police post. Hazvidi, a war veteran, interrogated her and accused her of being an MDC puppet working for NCA and Zimrights. She was threatened with death and was taken to a river where people were given "re-education". About twenty war veterans were invited to watch the “re-education" and the victim was forced to sign an agreement that she was kidnapped but was treated nicely, with no abuses. Ernest Zvirevo, a ZRP officer at Jerera, is said to have witnessed the signing of the agreement. She was then "escorted" by war veterans and was forced to buy drinks and to give Hazvidi and Edmore $1 000. The case was reported at Masvingo Police Station.

· Zanu PF supporters and ‘war veterans’ have reportedly caused the closure of seventy primary and secondary schools in Binga District, ordering teachers to attend a rural district and council election campaign rally on 8 September 2002. Headmasters and teachers in Binga district were forced to close down schools and attend a rally addressed by the Matebeleland North Zanu PF chairman Jacob Madenda. Notes were sent to the headmasters warning them to identify teachers who would not attend the meeting to be held in Binga. It has been reported that Binga is an MDC stronghold. Duncan Sinamampande, the district education officer, confirmed that there would be a rally held by Zanu PF in the area but refused to confirm whether the schools had been closed. Binga MP Joel Gabhuza of MDC confirmed that teachers were not going to school. Gibson Sibanda, the MDC vice-president said, in addition to legal means of disqualifying the opposition candidates, there was a lot of intimidation of potential candidates before the nomination court. He said that this showed that the ruling Zanu PF wanted to retain power "by hook or by crook". This happened as the MDC's legal committee met to decide to take legal action against the Registrar General's office for alleged improper handling of the nomination court, which sat on 5 September 2002

· At the Umguza rural district offices in Bulawayo, riot police were called in after Zanu PF supporters forced the closure of the offices. Obert Mpofu, the Governer for Matebeleland North Province, who lost the Bubi Umguza parliamentary constituency to Jacob Thabane of the MDC, intervened in the dispute and overrode the decision of the constituency registrar to extend the nomination court sitting.

· The former Zanu PF chairman for Bubi Umguza, Leonard Mhlanga, who defected to the opposition MDC in June, was barred from contesting the September 2002 local government elections. Mhlanga used to be the Zanu PF Chairman for Bubi Umguza for ten years before he deflected to the MDC, citing poor policies and the misrule by President Robert Mugabe and his party. Mhlanga had hoped for the councillorship for Bubi Umguza on the opposition ticket. He alleges that the nomination court had refused to accept his nomination papers on the grounds that his parents were of Malawian origin. He further alleged that the nomination court ruled that because his parents were of Malawian origin, then he was Malawian too. However, Mhlanga said that he is not Malawian, but he is Zimbabwean. The victim believes that the ruling party is only afraid of meeting a former Zanu PF official in the race.

· Fourteen MDC candidates were disqualified after the nomination court closed before they could present their papers. Abednico Bhebhe, the MDC MP for the area, alleged that some of the candidates were disqualified because they allegedly did not have the proper birth certificates.

· War veterans prevented Mloliki Sibanda, MDC MP for Tsholotsho, from attending a ceremony to donate a borehole to the community there by an NGO. The war veterans and the Zanu PF militia threw him out of the gathering and said that he should never attend their functions in his constituency, let alone campaign for his party in the council elections that were to be held on 28 and 29 September 2002. War veterans allegedly refused to grant MDC supporters permission to campaign in Tsholotsho for the forthcoming elections.

· In the Midlands province, only fifty-seven MDC candidates had the courage to stand their ground to run in the September 2002 rural district and council elections, against ninety-three Zanu PF condidates. Chirumhanzu constituency was one of the most affected in the Midlands Province. Reports have revealed that even those who have braved the threats of violence were finding it difficult to openly campaign as rowdy Zanu PF supporters often disrupted their rallies with the police taking no action. Opposition MDC candidates were harassed and threatened with unspecified action if they contested in the September 2002 rural district and council.

· Dave Wilson received threats from Chief Mapendere and some Zanu PF youths, ordering him to leave the area and emigrate to England if he was to insist on representing the MDC in the forthcoming council elections. He later withdrew his candidature. Thirty-six opposition MDC candidates in Midlands South reportedly withdrew their candidature from the September 2002 rural district and council elections fearing for their lives after being threatened with violence by Zanu PF supporters.

· Herbert Mhlanga was allegedly forced to withdraw his candidature by Zanu PF supporters in the area and was allegedly forced to surrender all MDC t-shirts and cards following unspecified threats from Chief Mapendere. Thirty-six MDC candidates have been forced to surrender their candidature by Zanu PF supporters in Midlands South. This came about in the run up to the September 2002 rural district and council elections. In Shurugwi, MDC was only left with only six candidates in the twenty -three wards that were contested as the rest withdrew from the election run.

· Njere Chou, Farai Sibindwani, Muhle Mudewa and Deliwe Marima claimed that Zanu PF supporters summoned them to the nomination court for daring to contest the election against their Zanu PF headmen. What transpired at the court was however not reported.

· Joshua Tongogara and other MDC candidates in the rural district council elections had been held hostage at their homes by suspected ruling Zanu PF party militants. They were allegedly forced to withdraw their candidature in the upcoming rural and district council elections. Lyson Mlambo, MDC provincial spokesman for Midlands, alleged that all the MDC candidates' homes in Shurugwi had been sealed off by marauding Zanu PF youths to ensure that they did not reach out to the constituencies. They were forced to withdraw their candidature before the election. It is alleged that Zanu PF military tactics in the run up to the rural district and council elections reached alarming levels and the MDC activists feared for the lives of their candidates. Joshua Tongogara is the last brother of the late Josiah Tongogara, former Zanu PF liberation fighter, and it is alleged that the whole family defected to MDC because the ruling Zanu PF had neglected the mother of Josiah Tongogara, yet Josiah had fought tirelessly and led the fighters into battle against the Smith Regime just before Independence.

List of deaths reported as having resultant from political violence: 1 January 2002 – 30 September 2002

NB: This list is subject to update and correction as and when new/additional information becomes available.

5 CHIBVAMUDEVE, Nikoniari, (MDC), 21 September 2002, Mashonaland West, Hurungwe West

9 GWAZE, Tafirenyika, (MDC polling agent Rukwenjere), 12 March 2002, Mashonaland East, Mutoko South

33 Munyaradzi (no surname given) (farm worker), 14 February 2002, Mashonaland East, Marondera East

35 MUPAWAENDA, Takatukwa Mamhova, 16 February 2002, Mashonaland West, Zvimba South

42 NGUNDU, Shepherd, (MDC), 5 February 2002, Mashonaland Central, Mount Darwin South

57 WHITE, Fanuel, (MDC polling agent), 29 March 2002, Mashonaland Central, Guruve North

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (also known as the “Human Rights Forum”) has been in existence since January 1998. Nine 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.”

The Human Rights Forum operates a Legal Unit and a Research and Documentation Unit.

Zimbabwe Association for Crime Prevention and the Rehabilitation of the Offender (ZACRO)

The Human Rights Forum can be contacted through any member organization or through the following: