POLITICAL VIOLENCE REPORT: THE CAMPAIGN OF RECRIMINATION MARCH 2002

Transcription

1 ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS NGO FORUM POLITICAL VIOLENCE REPORT: THE CAMPAIGN OF RECRIMINATION MARCH 2002 A report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum 28 March 2002

2 Overview Despite the fact that the ruling party, Zanu-PF, retained the presidency, there has been a chain of retributive attacks against MDC office bearers and supporters. The post-election period has seen a determined attack on those who served as MDC polling agents in the just ended Presidential election. Five MDC polling agents have since been reported as having been murdered for serving the opposition. Three of these were allegedly killed by soldiers. Other attacks have been in the form of abductions and torture of polling agents as well as the burning of their homes. Polling agents as well as other opposition party supporters are being forced to flee their rural homes out of fear. MDC polling agents have had to flee from Gokwe East and West, Chipinge North, Buhera South and Mazowe East. Politically motivated murders committed in the post-poll period totalled 11 bringing the total since the 1 st of March to 16. Of those murdered 12 were MDC supporters, 3 of unknown political affiliation while the sixteenth was a war veteran. There has been a resurgence of attacks on commercial farmers and farm-workers. Scores of farmers have been evicted from their farms without notice by militia, or have had property damaged or looted. As will be evident from the bar graph below. The cumulative total cases of torture are alarming. There is evidence that after the elections ZANU-PF supporters started a campaign of violence against supporters of the opposition with impunity. Notably in rural areas and commercial farms this is accompanied by destruction of property and cases of theft so as to force the owners of the land to flee. Torture bases used before the elections are still operational and there is no evidence of them being dismantled in the near future. Despite most of the cases being reported to the law enforcement agencies, very few have resulted in proper investigations and prosecutions as the war veterans are behaving like a law unto themselves. It will be revealed that in most rural areas, a lot of supporters of the opposition are being forcibly displaced. During such incidents the abuse and violation of human rights is being carried out with unspeakable magnitude. It is really unfortunate that the ordinary people are the ones who are suffering yet those who have sought political offices are unaffected. Totals March 2002 Unlawful Detention Electoral Irregularities Death/Execution School Closure Intimidation/Threats Kidnapping Disappearances Rape Property Damage/Theft Torture Unlawful Arrest

3 Cumulative Totals 1 January March 2002 Sources: HR Forum legal statements, CFU reports and newspaper reports, Amani Trust medical assessments Note on torture Torture: All cases under torture fall under the definition of torture according to the general definition of torture 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. Key Abbreviations CIO- Central Intelligence Organisation MDC- Movement for Democratic Change MP- Member of Parliament NCA- National Constitutional Assembly UMP Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe ZNLWVA- Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association ZNA- Zimbabwe National Army ZRP- Zimbabwe Republic Police Zanu-PF- Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front Cases of Political Violence Note: The identities of victims that have not been published in the press, witnesses in or are not public officials are protected by the use of initials. Nationwide 5-8 March 2002 Reports received from Harare, Gweru and Chinhoyi reported allege that postal voting was enforced under the scrutiny of commanding officers, often war vets. The Registrar General Tobaiwa Mudede refused to state precautions (if any) taken against multiple voting; instead he effectively challenged the complainants to prove the offence, saying if we are informed, the law will take its course. All uniformed services deployed for the election; were entitled to postal vote if deployed outside their own constituency. They were told to complete their postal vote under the scrutiny of commanding officers and with no monitoring of conditions of voting. 3

4 28 March 2002 Unnamed MDC supporters (2 547 families) are reported to have been displaced in what seems to be retaliation against the opposition. Some families were evicted while others fled their homes during house-to-house searches for MDC supporters. Displacements dealt with by Amani Trust so far total 423 in Midlands North, 121 in Masvingo, approx 200 in Chimanimani, and in Mutasa. 20 March 2002 Unnamed commercial farmers (50+) were evicted under threats of death with as little as one hours notice by Zanu-PF supporters and war veterans. Their property was looted and 12 homes trashed. Beitbridge 14 March 2002 GM went to Harare to vote, when she returned twenty-two Zanu-PF supporters approached her. The group had a list of suspected MDC supporters and those who were absent during the voting period. GM and three others were told to go to Tsvangirai s country and the group started to assault them. They had to hitch hike into Bulawayo since they had been banished from the area. GM left her niece of whom she was in charge of. She sustained injuries on her shoulders, chest and had internal side injuries. She experiences pain when breathing and cannot sit for extended periods. Bindura 7 March 2002 RM, an MDC supporter, was approached by more than 200 Zanu-PF supporters who threatened him with death for supporting MDC and thus the victim has since fled. He reported the matter to the kraalhead and police who turned a deaf ear 11 March 2002 Some Zanu-PF youth came around 11pm and let out cattle as a ploy. When DJ came out to investigate he was grabbed by about 20 people who severely assaulted him for being an MDC sympathizer. He was beaten with booted feet, open hands and fists. DJ passed out until 2am. 12 March 2002 Elliot Motsi (MDC) was kidnapped from his home and taken to an unidentified torture base by Zanu-PF supporters. Police officers at Nyava tried to arrest Makundwa Muzavazi when he reported the abduction. 13 March 2002 Clemence Masawi, an MDC activist was evicted from his house and it was turned into torture base by Zanu-PF supporters. 15 March 2002 An unnamed farm security guard and his wife, both MDC supporters, were abducted and detained overnight by Zanu-PF youths. The guard was severely beaten (no details were given about what happened to his wife). They were both released the following morning and ordered to leave Benridge farm. 24 March 2002 Wellington Kapfumbal (MDC, ward 15) was severely assaulted with sticks because his children support MDC. He was bundled into a car bleeding from the mouth and calling out 4

5 that he had been stabbed. He was driven to the home of Zanu-PF s political commissar Clever Masawi (Chifamba village), then to Nyava / Manhenga. He was still missing 5 days later and is feared dead. Budiriro 2 March 2002 Unknown assailants assaulted Chimwe Kotswa (MDC) on the day in question. 5 March 2002 Endy Mhlanga ZNLWVA sec-general) was severely assaulted with stones, machetes and metal objects and left for dead. He was found by the police and taken to an unnamed private clinic. He lost shoes, cash, cell phone and his car was also damaged in the attack. It is unknown which institution his attackers belong to. It is suspected that it could be either of three institutions, that is, Zanu-PF, ZNLWVA or MDC. Mhlanga was investigating the abduction of 3 children of his late ZNLWVA colleague, Shadreck Murapa in unclear circumstances. He was assaulted by men in Zanu-PF T-shirts who did not respond to his slogans and told him to stop campaigning for Zanu-PF. Word has it that this was an internal dispute between different factions of the ZNLWVA. 6 March 2002 Men driving two Mazda 323s at 11am took Alick Mbizvo (MDC) from his home. Mbizvo left the Zimbabwe National Army last year and became an MDC activist. All MDC activists in Budiriro went into hiding on 9 February 2002 following attacks by the police and Zanu- PF. 9 March 2002 The Riot Squad dispersed and ordered voters to go home after the polling station was closed following disturbances in the extremely long queue. 15 March 2002 An unnamed college lecturer was ordered to sit then run while chanting Zanu-PF slogans. While doing that he was being assaulted with whips, sticks and iron bars. His right hand and arm were broken while he was trying to shield his head from the blows. The assault came after his copy of the Daily News fell out of his folder. 21 March 2002 GN had gone to attend a meeting at the shopping centre when riot police came and started beating up people.he was beaten with a baton stick on his buttocks and fore arms. 24 March 2002 JM was at home after her evening meal. She sent a child to close the gate. At the gate the child was ordered by riot police to go back into the house. After a few minutes she heard people crying from the next room and when she went to investigate she found the whole passage way full of riot police. She was ordered by one officer to go back into her room. After a while another officer called for her to come out. The riot police started to assault her with open hands, booted feet and baton sticks, there were about eight of them. Outside they started taking turns to beat her and a another girl. The assault only stopped after one of the officers ordered the eight to stop. JM doesn t know why they were assaulted. The next day she went to a private doctor who refused to treat her fearing that she would die of internal injuries. He wrote a letter and referred her to the police. The police(glen View) just wrote a letter but did nothing about the assault. 5

6 An unnamed man was assaulted by riot police at around 6.45 pm while walking around the suburb. He was part of the fifteen people assaulted by the riot police. No reason was given for the assault. TM was also assaulted by members of the riot police at her place of residence. A group of ten officers came to her place, 2 armed with rifles and one with a walkie talkie and others with baton sticks entered the house. they ordered the victim and family members to get out. They started to beat them up with baton sticks. KMM was assaulted by members of the riot police at her place of residence. A group of ten officers came to her place, 2 armed with rifles and one with a walkie talkie and the others with baton sticks. When they entered the house they ordered the victim and family members to get out. They started to beat them up with baton sticks. The victim fell down after being tripped by one of the officers. The assaults continued all over the body including thighs. The officer with the walkie talkie ordered the others to stop the assault. Buhera North/South 12 March 2002 Two huts belonging to a Zanu-PF supporter were torched, damaging property worth Z$ March 2002 LM was attacked by Zanu-PF supporters and war veterans who accused him of being an MDC activist and going around putting up MDC posters. They attacked him using knobkerries and beat him all over the body. He was saved from further assaults by good samaritans who ferried him in their vehicle. Bulawayo 4 March 2002 AN was forcibly removed from his home and taken to Majiji Secondary where he and other youths were detained over night by a group of twenty people. At night they were forced to stay in the bush but were not allowed to sleep. Those who slept were assaulted. They all had their heads shaved. The victim and fifteen others were denied their right to vote by a war veteran who was leading the group that had captured them. The victim only managed to escape on Monday 12 March at 1am 5 March 2002 CL was assaulted for his political affiliation. Zanu-PF youths and war veterans beat up the victim assaulting him with clenched fists and booted feet. The assault stopped after he lost consciousness. He was initially admitted at Inyathi hospital and then transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital. GN alleges that he was bleeding incessantly. 6 March 2002 Zanu-PF supporters arrived at the school and started to threaten all MDC supporters with assault and damage to property. Thirty youths and three war veterans arrived at the GN s home and threatened to beat her up. They took 3 chickens and maize. They also destroyed her garden. The victim fled to Bulawayo as the previous day she had witnessed the assault of CL. 13 March 2002 MM works for ZESN and was writing some names as a ZESN worker when two Zimbabwe National Army soldiers who ordered him to stop approached him. They accused him of supporting MDC and threatened to kill him. 6

7 Bulawayo North-East 19 March 2002 Absolom Chidoma and an unnamed friend (Zanu-PF) were assaulted by suspected MDC supporters. Chegutu 27 March 2002 A group of Zanu-PF youths went to EN s homestead looking for her husband. She heard them coming and fled. While fleeing she stepped into a ditch and sprained her ankle. They threatened to burn their house down if they found her husband there. Chikomba March 2002 Lawrence Kuvehya, an MDC supporter was allegedly killed by Zanu-PF supporters and war veterans for voting for MDC. JB boarded a bus intending to come to Harare. At Sengwe two men (Zanu-PF youths) instructed her to get off the bus. They took her to a bush near the township and interrogated her on where she was going. She was accused of being an MDC supporter and having attended a workshop organised by Ndanga the MDC parliamentary candidate in Chikomba for JB was beaten up as they wanted to know who else had attended the workshop. They were using logs and whips. 7 March 2002 EM is an MDC ward secretary. Word spread that Zanu-PF youths were coming to his home to abduct him. He managed to flee the area before they arrived. When they finally got to the homestead they burnt all his property. He could not report to the police because the police and Zanu-PF bases are adjacent to the polling station and only MDC supporters were being arrested, even if they are the victims March 2002 Thirty-one unnamed farm-owners had their farms ransacked by supporters of Zanu-PF and war veterans. The value of the looted property was conservatively estimated at Z$150 million, excluding head of cattle either redistributed or missing. Chimanimani 8 March 2002 Tsananguri Marowa and unnamed MDC polling agents and local leaders were required to pay fees for belonging to the MDC. Ward chairs and polling agents required to pay Z$3000, organising secretaries Z$500, and ordinary members of MDC Z$300 each to their chief for belonging to and acting as MDC polling agents. They were informed of this penalty before polling. 19 March 2002 Simon Panganyi Mudonha (MDC Vice Chairman Ward 9) was severely assaulted by Zanu-PF supporters and was admitted to Biriri hospital. He was then transferred to Chipinge. Chinhoyi 5 March 2002 Abigail Kadaira, NCA Mashonaland West chair, and unnamed employers had their property petrol-bombed. The offices were thought to house NCA publicity materials. 7

8 7 March 2002 Thirteen MDC supporters were accused of being responsible for political violence in the area. They were arrested, fined unspecified amount and later released March 2002 Six unnamed people had their homes torched by Zanu-PF supporters. 9 March 2002 Abigail Kadaira (NCA MW chair) had her house petrol-bombed at 2.30am, destroying furniture and household goods worth over Z$ This attack followed the petrolbombing of office property belonging to Kadaira s employers. 9 March 2002 Unnamed MDC polling agents were abducted and detained overnight at a Zanu-PF base. The Zanu-PF supporters who had abducted them tortured them. 9 March 2002 Abigail Kadaira (NCA Mashonaland West Chairperson) had her house petrol-bombed at 2.30am, destroying furniture and other household goods worth over Z$ The attack was four days after the petrol bombing of office property belonging Kadaira s employers, NCA. 13 March 2002 Biggie Matare, Hurungwe East co-ordinator, MDC, and Cosmos Nheya, an MDC polling agent, were severely assaulted by Zanu-PF supporters and hospitalised with lifethreatening injuries. Chipinge North 20 March 2002 Checheche, Chisumbanje, Gumira, Machona, Rimbi, Vheneka Primary Schools and Rimbi High School were closed after teachers suspected to have voted MDC were assaulted. The schools were forcibly closed and the pupils fled home. Chipinge North / Buhera South 20 March 2002 Elton Mudzungu, Tawanda Musawonge, Kudzai Chisirimunhu and 38 unnamed MDC polling agents from Chipinge North, Buhera South and Birchenough Bridge had their homesteads attacked at night forcing their families to flee. They were assaulted, and are now living under Birchenough Bridge. Chipinge South 15 March 2002 James Moyana, Chikukwa and 6 unnamed teachers from Checheche in rural Chipinge were severely assaulted with knobkerries, iron bars, chains, sticks. Four teachers were admitted to Chipinge hospital with serious injuries, one was unable to walk. 16 March 2002 Three unnamed MDC supporters were severely assaulted by soldiers as punishment for voting for the opposition. They all died at their homes following the assault. The three were among seven people assaulted by the soldiers. The other four were admitted to Chipinge hospital. 8

9 Chitungwiza 28 March 2002 Isaac Mufawaenda, Isaac was whipped and assaulted on his back, head and face by Zanu-PF supporters. Dzivarasekwa 11 March 2002 SC was on his way from Dzivarasekwa polling station when he met up with ±30 Zanu-PF youths. He was part of the MDC security and was with 9 other colleagues. The youths grabbed him and took him to their base at a home in Dzivarasekwa. There they beat him with sjamboks, sticks and empty bottles all over the body. The youths then took him to the police station where their assault continued in front of the police. 15 March 2002 Colin Nyowani was attacked with bricks by Zanu-PF supporters. He suffered head and facial injuries. 28 March 2002 Peter Karimakwenda (MDC, new HCC ward 39 councillor) and five unnamed MDC youths were arrested and detained for 6 days under POSA. They were released without being charged. The police are said to be investigating the case. Edwin Mushoriwa (MDC, Dzivarasekwa) said Zanu-PF youth were fighting among themselves over not being paid for electoral duties, and the police arrested MDC supporters nearby at the shopping center. Glen View 8 March 2002 Better Tsandugwa (Zanu-PF Branch Chairman) was attacked and bundled into a car belonging to MDC youths. His whereabouts were unknown at the time of the report. Tsandugwa was addressing a campaign meeting at the time of kidnapping. 20 March 2002 Last Maengahama, national co-ordinator and MDC HC councillor ward 32, Ottilia Mandishona, his wife, Pardon and Bingo Kapofu, the acting co-ordinator, of Left Wing ( a splinter group from Zimbabwe chapter of International Socialist Organisation) had their offices raided at 4am after Left Wing had commended ZCTU for calling 3-day strike. The police assaulted staff at the offices. Gokwe March 2002 Brighton Chipere and unnamed MDC polling agents and local leaders had their homes and property torched by Zanu-PF supporters. They fled to a safe house in Rimuka, Kadoma. Chief Raymond Saurombe was allegedly part of the group that carried out these attacks. Gokwe East 13 March 2002 Seventeen unnamed MDC polling agents were assaulted and had their homes torched. They fled to urban areas, Gweru, Kwekwe and Kadoma. Blessing Chebundo, the MDC MP for Kwekwe, said MDC was receiving a daily average of 15 reports of arson against them. 9

10 Gokwe North 16 March 2002 GM was near his home when a stone was thrown at him causing him to fall down. He was then confronted by a group of 5 Zanu-PF youths and beaten with iron bars. They poured water over him when he fainted from the beating. By the time he regained consiousness they were gone. GM was a polling agent during the Presidential Elections. Gokwe South 29 March 1 April 2002 Stephen Kandoro, Fanwell Mkoki, Christian Moyo, Stephen Mudadikwa, Nelson, Albert and Jemani Mhuri (MDC Polling Agents) had their huts torched because they had acted as polling agents / election support staff for MDC. Gokwe West 13 March 2002 Seven unnamed MDC polling agents were assaulted and had their homes torched by Zanu-PF supporters. They consequently fled to town Gweru, Kwekwe and Kadoma. Goromonzi 4 March 2002 YG, aged 18, and PG, aged 16, was assaulted by Zanu-PF youths who wanted to know their mother s whereabouts. The victim s mother is an MDC member based in Mashonaland East. She fled the area in January 2002 after being threatened with violence by Zanu-PF activists. On the above mentioned date about 100 Zanu-PF members came to their homestead and demanded to know the whereabouts of her mother, JG. They demanded that they produce MDC t-shirts and fliers. They searched the house and confiscated household goods, threw some mealie meal and maize into the toilet. They also took $2390 that was meant for school fees. At the same time some of them were assaulting the victim and her sister with sjamboks and sticks. Guruve South/North 8 March 2002 TS was coming from the shops when he was attacked by Zanu-PF youth that accused him of being an MDC activist. They then told him not go to the police or clinic. However the victim made a police report which angered the group. He fled the area and went back on the 11 March 2002 to found that his home had been burnt down. He then fled to Harare. 12 March 2002 DC had his homestead destroyed on 29 November 2001 by a group of more than 500. He was accused of being an MDC supporter and was not wanted in the area. He reported the matter to the headman who informed him that his home had been destroyed by a huge group of Zanu-PF youths. The leaders were war veterans Kachasu and Nyuwoyembudzi. Since then he has been living in Marondera. On the 8th of March he went back to Guruve and voted at Hambe. When he went to Hambe Shopping Centre on the 12 March 2002 he was waylaid by a group of Zanu-PF youths who asked him where he was coming from and where he had been staying. They made him lie down and assaulted him with a log on the buttocks and back. He managed to escape and left the following morning. 10

11 Guruve North 15 March 2002 FW was a polling agent at Nyambudziya Polling Station. When he tried to go back to work at ARDA he was confronted by two guards who took him to Chakasara where he was beaten with clubs on his buttocks. His hands were handcuffed and legs tied up in barbed wire. He was also beaten under the feet. He was later released having been beaten from about 7am to 9am. 19 March 2002 Ernest Gatsi (MDC) was severely assaulted during the campaigning period. Hospitalised and died on the 19 th March at Guruve hospital. Gutu North 9 March 2002 An unnamed MDC polling agent at Nerupiri Primary School was allegedly abducted from the polling station and held at Mahofa s house overnight, leaving ballot boxes unprotected. 14 March 2002 Amos Misheck Maseva, (ZNLWVA) was assaulted by group loyal to Berita Mahofa. He was hospitalised at Gutu Mission Hospital for 3 weeks before he died of pneumonia. His relatives refused to bury him before Shuvai Mahofa paid Z$4 million (or Z$2 million + 40 cattle) in compensation. Maseva and Berita had been among initial invaders of Northend farm, nearly two years ago. He had occupied the farmhouse and refused to vacate, even though it stood on land Berita had been allocated. Dispute polarised all occupiers and ended in a fight. Berita says this is plot by Masvingo Zanu-PF politicians to get at her mother. 28 March 2002 Uniformed Zanu-PF militia assaulted Crispa/Crispen Musoni (MDC) and unnamed customers. Gweru Urban 2 March 2002 Members of the Zimbabwe National Army and Presidential Guard assaulted a hundred unnamed drinkers (MDC). The Gweru Hospital staff refused to give details of those injured in the assaults fearing reprisals. State assaults also occurred in high-density suburbs simultaneously Portia Gwanzura and Hohodza were caught up in earlier assaults at Takarangana nightclub. Harare 3 March 2002 Unnamed Zanu-PF supporters were threatened with death by MDC supporters. Harare and Chitungwiza 9 March 2002 In Zengeza 3 (ward 11 Chitungwiza) the police riot squad dispersed and ordered to go home after some disorder at the heavily queued polling station. 11

12 Harare Central 20 March 2002 Philip Mabika (MDC National Youth Executive Member) had his house stoned by Zanu- PF supporters. The damage to his property was not specified. 22 March 2002 Ten unnamed MDC members including a security guard were arrested and held at Harare Central. The arrests were confirmed by Percy Makombe, MDC Information Officer. Harare East 5 March 2002 CS was taken from his home and handcuffed by about 20 Zanu-PF youths. They took him to Mt Hampden Training Centre where he was beaten and accused of selling the country. He was made to lie prone and beaten with a wire and stick on his buttocks. The police came but did not take a statement from the victim. He was taken to Marlborough Police Station then to Harare Central Police Station where he was detained overnight. He was released after paying a $100 fine. 11 March 2002 SB was driving along Tongogara Avenue due west and wanted to make a right into 6th street. He was stopped by soldiers and told to go to the booms at the corner of 7th street and Josiah Tongogara. They pointed guns at him and threatened to shoot him. He was ordered out of the car and made to lie down. The soldiers beat him up on the on the buttocks, back, and ribs with truncheons. He was taken to Central Police Station where his particulars were taken from him before being released. The soldiers accused him of showing MDC signs. 13 March 2002 MK was taken from her home at around 5am and taken to Borrowdale Police Station. They alleged that she and others had been committing public violence in Hatcliffe. Kimu is the cell treasurer. She was placed in a cell where she was assaulted with baton sticks and open hands by police officers. 15 March 2002 War veterans namely Mai Muza and others came to AA s premises and accused them of having voted for MDC. They threatened to beat them up at night and destroy their premises. Now AA is unable to sleep at night because of fear. She stays with her blind daughter and grandchild. Harare North 17 March 2002 CS was at Sahwira beerhall where a group of young men was assaulting some police officers. CS knew one of the officers, a Constable Mbawuya and tried to rescue him. He took him as far as the service station where unknown assailants attacked them. CS is a member of the neighbourhood watch. Harare South 10 March 2002 GN was taken by 2 CID men to Harare Central Police Station where they assaulted him with baton sticks and booted feet. They also slapped him all over the body. He was released at around 6:30pm. On 12 March 2002 he was taken again and interrogated 12

13 during which he was slapped around. He was accused of supporting the opposition and having given a report to the Japanese Observers. 20 March 2002 SK was driving along Borrowdale Road when he stopped at State House and made a U turn because he was lost. He was stopped by the police who took him to Harare Central Police Station where he was assaulted and interrogated after a thorough search of his vehicle. He sustained a ruptured eardrum and bruises on the left side of his face. Hatfield March 2002 An unnamed MDC farm-worker was assaulted with sticks and hosepipes in his home when he refused to surrender his MDC card. He was then force-marched to Epworth and assaulted him until he passed out. 21 March 2002 J C worked for ZESN during the elections. He had two t-shirts inscribed Local Observer hanging on the washing line. Zanu-PF youths came to his house on Saturday and threatened him. They came back to his house on 21 March 2002 with the police. TC (JC s wife) was arrested for being an unaccredited observer. When JC went to visit his wife on Friday he was also arrested. They were first detained at Epworth before being taken to Mabvuku, then to Hatfield and finally Central Police Station, Law and Order Section. They were then taken back to Epworth where they were released later on in the day. Hurungwe East March 2002 An unnamed MDC activist was severely assaulted by Zanu-PF supporters and hospitalised with life-threatening injuries. 9 March 2002 AZ was beaten up by six Zanu-PF youths at Tarvoy Farm. AZ was an MDC polling agent. He was later released after a severe assault with electric wires and sticks. 11 March 2002 Three unnamed people who were MDC polling agents were beaten up by Zanu-PF supporters. 12 March 2002 VC was an MDC polling agent in Hurungwe East. On going back to his home he met a Zanu-PF youth, Petros Jingura, who vowed that they (Zanu-PF) were going to sort him out for allegedly selling out. The following day he threatened that VC s father, who works as a temporary teacher, was going to be dismissed from work. He also vowed that violence against the opposition was going to start as soon as the foreign observers left Zimbabwe. This was going to be code named operation chenesamusha. VC was advised by one police officer who is also his neighbour to flee because even if he reported nothing was going to be done. VC also alleges that the Town Council was cutting off water supplies to MDC supporters and polling agents regardless whether their bills are paid or not. He also alleges that there is a base at Rufaro Hotel, room 13 where MDC supporters are being taken to and beaten by Zanu-PF supporters. 13

14 12-31 March 2002 Eight farm-owners had their property looted by war veterans and Zanu-PF supporters. The estimated value of the looted property is Z$17 million in equipment alone. Hwange East 14 March 2002 Unnamed MDC supporters in Victoria Falls Monde settlement had their homes torched by war veterans. 16 March 2002 Patson Mlotshwa and other unnamed MDC supporters were assaulted after Zanu-PF held a mock funeral for Morgan Tsvangirai following the election result. One woman was admitted at Victoria Falls hospital with severe injuries. There were about 200 Zanu-PF supporters. 17 March 2002 Sambani Ncube (MDC) was severely assaulted by soldiers resulting in his ribs and spinal cord being broken. Ncube died as a result of the assault. Hwedza 8 March 2002 Rob Edgar, rob (farm-owner) was given two hours to vacate the farm or face unspecified action by Zanu-PF supporters. Two South African election observers witnessed the incident. 10 March 2002 AK and an unnamed colleague were assaulted and the car they were travelling in stoned. The front windscreen and the left door window were completely destroyed. AK sustained injuries on his left shoulder and cuts on his right knee. Kuwadzana 9 March 2002 CC was a local observer and was at the polling station in Kuwadzana. The riot police had been trying to control the crowd since 10am. At 3:20pm they started randomly beating up people. One of them came from behind and beat CC with a baton stick on his back and then his chest. When he tried to make a report to the police they dismissed it as a political issue and refused to take a statement. 9 March 2002 Unnamed voters were assaulted and forced to go home before voting by members of the ZNLWVA. Kwekwe March 2002 Anyway Mbano and eleven unnamed MDC members were admitted to Stanley House clinic after being severely assaulted over the weekend by members of the Zimbabwe National Army and Zanu-PF. The assaults occurred on a plot belonging to Philemon Cox (commercial farmer), but unclear whether these were his workers. 14

15 Mabvuku 13 March 2002 Margaret Takaendesa, Zanu-PF chair Robert Mugabe district, had her house stoned, windows broken, and durawall damaged by four MDC supporters. The total damage was valued at Z$ Makokoba March 2002 Unnamed Daily News newspaper vendors were assaulted, 150 papers destroyed and sales money stolen by Zanu-PF supporters. The police declined to comment, except to say the issue was political. Makoni East 9 March 2002 Zanu-PF supporters and war veterans attacked two MDC polling agents Vaida Mutigwa and Comet Zano at a polling station while on duty. 20 March 2002 Two Daily News vendors, Tongai Manomano (20) and Munyaradzi Mupingo, (28) were abducted and force-marched to Zanu-PF offices in Rusape by war veterans and Zanu-PF supporters. They were assaulted with sticks, sjamboks and the Falanga method was used. Proceeds from paper sales were stolen. Daily News was banned in Rusape by Didymus Mutasa. Marondera East 8 March 2002 SR was one of the ZESN drivers on the way to Marondera Hotel to meet the ZESN observers team. Two defenders overtook and blocked them. They were asked why they had observers stickers yet they had no accreditation. The occupants of the vehicle got out and were assaulted by Zanu-PF youths wearing Zanu-PF t-shits. They were assaulted with fists, booted feet and open hands in the presence of police officers. SR was assaulted on his face, nose and lower lip. He lost receipts, a C25 cellphone, a watch and $ in the attack. He was made to drive his car to Marondera Central Police Station. Now he is being accused of inscribing MDC on a Tenda bus and distributing MDC fliers. He was detained to the 9th of March and was only released when the police realised that there was no offence committed. 10 March 2002 FT was assaulted by soldiers. They were using their hands and their gun. Sustained a swollen left arm and bruises on the left buttock. She was returning from a funeral. KJ a security guard suspects that he was poisoned at a polling station for asking a Zanu- PF agent to send a war veteran away from the polling station. 15 March 2002 John Rutherford, a commercial farmer, and his wife (MDC) were accused of ordering the destruction of farm occupiers housing on the farm and giving a cellphone to a worker to tell the MDC about illegal settlers. They were severely assaulted by members of Zanu-PF early in the morning in the presence of Constable Chikowe. They were admitted to Marondera Hospital where their condition was described as stabilized. His wife was forced to witness the assault and afterwards she told she would be killed. The victim and his farm-worker, who died as a result of the assault, were accused of sympathising with 15

16 MDC. Constable Chikowe allegedly witnessed the assault but did not intervene. Later two suspects were arrested and seven are being sought by the police. Darlington Vikaveka a farm-worker at Oxford Farm was severely assaulted in early morning in presence of Constable Chikowe. He died en route to the Marondera Hospital. The victim and his injured white employer were accused of sympathising with MDC. Hieroglyphics Marondera West 4 March 2002 A group of ten Zanu-PF youths approached JK alleging that his son, Godfrey, was an MDC supporter. The victim identified three of the attackers who live in the same village as he does. He was dragged into the bush where the group proceeded to assault him with sticks and electric cords. The interrogation and torture lasted for nearly an hour. The youths were disrupted by noises made by wild animals that were stampeding past and the victim escaped. 5 March 2002 NM was called upon to produce his MDC card by Zanu-PF supporters but he did not possess one. He was then taken to the Zanu-PF base at Chimbwanda where he was ordered to take off his shoes and was beaten under the feet with thick sticks. He was ordered to simulate sexual motions on the ground. The assaults continued from about 10:30am till 4pm. The victim managed to escape at around 8 pm. He made a report at Mahusekwa Police Station but officer Mhlanga refused to take a statement from him and only gave him a medical referral. 11 March 2002 TM was a polling agent for the MDC at Chitandara School in Marondera. After the polls Zanu-PF youths kept threatening him with death. He fled to Harare as a result. On the day that he fled the youths burnt his house. 16 March 2002 At around 1000hrs Zanu-PF youths and war veterans came and took OM from his homestead. They took him to the showgrounds where he was locked up in a secluded room. He was beaten up with sticks on his buttocks and shoulder. He was made to hit his forehead against the wall. The reason given for the beating was that he was an MDC polling agent during the Presidential elections. He was released at around 1900hrs on the same day after the police had intervened. Marondera East 15 March 2002 David Pattison and Stuart, both of the MDC, were barricaded inside the farmhouse for 8 hrs by Zanu-PF supporters. They were told to vacate the farm immediately. They were later released unharmed. The two were accused of organising their workers to vote for MDC. Masvingo North 27 March 2002 About 100 Zanu-PF supporters repeatedly threatened John Borland (farm-owner) with death after Chidza farm was delisted and occupiers served eviction notices. The riot squad broke up an occupiers illegal demonstration (under POSA) in Masvingo city. 16

17 Borland gave over 2 of his 3 farms to government. Delisting was believed by ZNLWVA to have resulted from bribing Masvingo PG Josaya Hungwe. Mazowe East 17 March 2002 Israel Mukwaira, (ZNNP+ co-ordinator, Gwingwizha support group) was assaulted at 10pm by 3 youths. The youths alleged that the group was being funded by MDC. He was badly bruised and 34 of the support group s chickens were stolen. Mazowe West 2 March 2002 AM was assaulted on his way back from the shops when a group of eight people. They accused him of working for Mr Hiscock whom they allege is a stauch MDC supporter. They argued that whoever worked for Mr Hiscock should be beaten. The victim was assaulted with open hands and sticks. He was ordered to lie on his belly and they pounced on his back. He was asked for information on what transpires at his workplace. The victim managed to escape and reported the matter to the police before he went to the hospital and doctor. RR was taken from home by Zanu-PF youths who accused him of being an MDC supporter. He was beaten up throughout the night. Jimi Gumbakamba was lending the group. They were using sticks, hand brooms. He was released the following morning. CN was assaulted by a colleague who is a Zanu-PF supporter for being an MDC sympathiser. They came to the farm together with other Zanu-PF supporters from Mvurwi and addressed a meeting where he was named as an MDC supporter. He was ordered to go to Mvurwi in the farm-owners vehicle. He was ordered into a room at the bus terminus where he was assaulted with sticks on the back and buttocks. One of his teeth was broken during the assault. He reported the matter to Mvurwi Police Station, the suspects were arrested but then later released. WS was ordered to go to a rally in Mvurwi despite the fact that he was on duty at the farm. The Zanu-PF supporters used the farm-owners vehicle to transport the farmworkers. When they arrived at Mvurwi he was ordered into a bar at the bus terminus where he was assaulted with barbed wire and sticks. He sustained injuries to the abdomen, right leg and foot. One of the assailants was Jimmy, a workmate of his. suspects were arrested but then later released Zanu-PF supporters came to the farm and ordered the farm-owner to release one of his trucks. they then used this truck to ferry farm-workers to Mvurwi. At Mvurwi SK was assaulted with cooking sticks, broom sticks and various other weapons. He sustained severe head injuries and injuries to the buttocks as well. He reported to Mvurwi Police Station and Mutorashanga but the perpetrators were released on the same day. A group of Zanu-PF supporters came to the farm and ordered PC to go to Mvurwi. They confiscated the farm-owners car and used it to ferry them to Mvurwi about 15km away. At Mvurwi PC was assaulted with broom sticks, cooking sticks and empty crates for being an MDC supporter. He sustained injuries to his left leg, buttocks, lower lip and right thumb. The matter was reported to Mvurwi Police Station and Mutorashanga but the perpetrators were released on the same day. KK was assaulted for allegedly failing to give the farm-workers mealie meal. KK is responsible for distributing mealie-meal at the farm. because of the shortages rationing was introduced. KK was accused of being an MDC supporter who wanted to see the The 17

18 workers starved. He was abducted to Mvurwi Bus Terminus where he was blindfolded and then beaten with a cooking stick on the hands and shoulders. 13 March 2002 Sixty MDC farm-workers including polling agents and voters were assaulted and chased away from their jobs at several farms in Mvurwi farming area. 14 March 2002 Unnamed tenants of Biggie Chigonero were ordered to close the shop indefinitely. Chigonero had cardboard coffin delivered to him with RIP Chigonero inscribed on it. 29 March 2002 A group of Zanu-PF youths from Marata resettlement area came and indiscriminately beat up farm-workers. They instructed PZ and JM to pack their bags and leave the farm. They stole $3500 from PZ s house. The leader of the group is one Matavire. PZ reported at Glendale police station and was referred to Concession where the reports were not taken. The police came the next day and recorded statements. PZ and JM were referred to the hospital and were told that matters reported by MDC supporters could not be taken any further. Mbare East 23 March 2002 MS was assaulted by a group of Zanu-PF supporters. They were using iron bars and fists. One of them asked where he and his friend were coming from. MS suffered bruises all over the face and back. 29 March 2002 Kingston Hurudza a Zanu-PF activist) had his house petrol bombed and two clocks stolen from his house in Mbare. Sixteen suspected MDC supporters are alleged to have forced their way into his house just after midnight. They assaulted Hurudza before petrol bombing the property. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack. Mbare West 21 March 2002 RC had accompanied a friend when he was attacked by Zanu-PF youths. He was rescued by police on patrol from Crest Breeders. RC is an MDC activist and assailants knew it. There were about four of them including one Edmore Ndambakuwa. Mberengwa East March unnamed MDC villagers fled to Zvishavane after being threatened by Zanu-PF supporters. This was reported by MDC supporter, Thandi Mlilo, who claimed that MDC membership in Mberengwa East was about (but only 3128 were counted as having voted for Morgan Tsvangirai in the presidential elections). 20 March 2002 An unspecified number of villagers who are MDC members are being excluded from the government programmes. GMB workers were ordered to divert maize from GMB depot, Mataga, to Chief Mataga s homestead, where those intending to buy 50 kg for Z$1300 had to be vetted as Zanu-PF card holders before they could buy maize. This was reported by MDC Youth Vice-Chairman Mberengwa East, Sifelani Dube and co-ordinator Tongiso Mutsungi. 18

19 Mhondoro March 2002 Four unnamed farm-owners were given a couple of hours to leave before their farmhouses were looted by farm occupiers. This started just before the election and continued thereafter. 1 March 2002 A farm guard s cellphone, irrigation equipment and 60 litres of diesel were stolen from a farm by Zanu-PF supporters including Agnes Rusike - occupying Parklands Farm; Colin Chimbetu and Colin Muyamba - both occupying Gowrie farm. The police recovered the cellphone and cable on 20 March 2002 when they were led to these by Rusike and Muyambo after their arrest. 2 March 2002 A group of Zanu-PF supporters led by John Taruvinga assaulted SM for being an MDC chairman in the area. The group used sticks, sjamboks and hands in the assault. He sustained injuries to the head and eyes. The case was reported to Chikara police but no arrests were made. 3 March 2002 TK had gone to Mhondoro for campaigning and distributing pamphlets. When they reached Manyewe township there was a rally taking place. They made a u-turn but were followed by a Nissan Sunny which caught up with then as they reached Beatrice Road. He was accosted by Zanu-PF youths at Musinamwe Business Centre at about 11:15 pm and beaten up. He was then taken to their base where the assaults continued. He was then taken to the Police station at Mubaira and detained by the police for 3 days then transferred to Norton Polcie Station. There he was fined $2000 for allegedly for carrying stones and catapults. 13 March 2002 Peter Everard Newby-Varty and four other farm-owners were given a couple of hours to leave before farm occupiers looted farmhouses. The loot included 6 firearms worth Z$1,2 million (later recovered by the police). 14 March 2002 An unnamed farm-owner was evicted from his farm by Zanu-PF supporters. Stephen Arumango (a cook) was forced to let the looters into the farmhouse at gunpoint. Two pistols, two shotguns and property worth Z$3,5 million was stolen. The farm had been attacked earlier on when a farm guard s cellphone, irrigation equipment and 60 litres of diesel were stolen. The police recovered two-thirds of the property and firearms on Msasa farm on 19 th of March. 18 March 2002 Terry Ford was allegedly killed by members of Zanu-PF and ZNLWVA.. Two farm occupiers demanded Ford s gun late at night but he refused after phoning neighbours and the police. He fired a shot to scare them off. He was struck with an axe on the head and assaulted with a gun butt and an axe. The farmer was run over by his truck and finally shot five times. His body was found by a security guard in the morning, who had heard five shots during the early hours but had been too scared to investigate. 19

20 Mount Darwin North 15 March 2002 Owen Manyara, an MDC activist, was severely assaulted by members of Zanu-PF, ZNLWVA and militia. The assault resulted in his death. Mpopoma 11 March 2002 Alexander Sibanda, a Zanu-PF supporter, arrived at GG s residence in the afternoon. He accused GG of being an MDC supporter and used abusive language to threaten her. She was told that she would be punished for supporting the MDC. Sibanda then left but later returned in the company of 10 other youths who live in the same neighbourhood. They came chanting Zanu-PF slogans and stoned GG s house. More threats have followed since this incident and GG now fears for her safety. 18 March 2002 A Bulawayo woman was attacked while she walking on a footpath with her older sister. She was dragged into a bush and gang-raped for voting MDC. Her clothes were taken. The elder sister escaped after her clothes were torn. The two were attacked by National Youth Service youth in uniform. A report was made to Mzilikazi police after NRZ workers had chased away the assailants. Mudzi 26 March 2002 The chairman of Zanu-PF youth, Nyakuma came and abducted the CS s husband. When her husband escaped they came and took CS away. CS was assaulted with 15 strokes for her husband s "wrongs". She was taken to Nyamapanda Police where a report was made. The police said there was no need for CS to have been beaten up and she was given $300 for transport to go back home. Murehwa North 4 March 2002 War veterans and Zanu-PF supporters captured two brothers Paul and Kelvin Tapa when they tried to release their brother, Ephraim Tapa and his wife Faith from confinement in a tin hut at Mushimbo DDF camp. On the 8th of March High Court judge Benjamin Paradza ordered John Nkomo, Augustine Chihuri and Police Officer Masango to storm Mushimbo base in Mushimbo Township and all other bases in Mashonaland East until they found the couple. They were found and released on the 11March Mutasa 8 March 2002 EM was beaten up and detained together with a group of 137 polling agents after being accused of holding illegal meetings. ZESN observers and a lawyer were also beaten up and detained at Ruda Police Station. 12 March 2002 JC a polling agent was at the counting centre on the day in question. There were youths outside the centre who were threatening the agents and hence they decided to leave the place. He hiked to Bonda where a defender belonging to Zanu-PF dropped some youths near them. The youth assaulted the agents asking them what MDC was planning to do and the location of their war arms. They were driven in the truck for about four hours before stopping by a river where were told that they were going to be tied up and thrown 20

21 in the river. They were stripped naked and thrown out of the car before being beaten up again and left for dead March 2002 Donald Jeranyama (MDC Polling Agent) was arrested under POSA at St Martin s while awaiting deployment. He was tear-gassed and assaulted in the cells. He was bleeding from the ears on release but was discharged from hospital without being given any drugs. He later died at home and MDC have demanded a post-mortem. It is unclear whether he may have been further assaulted at home March 2002 Evelyn Masaiti (MDC MP for Mutasa) received numerous phoned death threats immediately after the announement of the election result. The threats were from Zanu-PF and members of the police. She has consequently gone underground for a fortnight. Masaiti had earlier been assaulted by Zanu-PF militia when investigating the arrest of 10 MDC polling agents by Ruda police. Mutoko North 13 March 2002 An unnamed MDC polling agent was allegedly abducted and tortured to death. Details were not given as to where the body was found Mutoko South 12 March 2002 Tafireyinyika Gwaze an MDC polling agent was abducted from a bus and taken to a torture camp by Zanu-PF and ZNLWVA militia. He was savagely beaten overnight before being released the following day. He died of multiple injuries. 13 March 2002 FM was a polling agent for MDC in Mutoko. In October 2001 he was assaulted and had his ID and MDC card confiscated by Zanu-PF activists. After the presidential election the youths were sent by Jongororo and Makuni, the base leader to abduct him. At the base he was assaulted with sticks and fists for allegedly not voting at the nearest polling station. It is alleged that many MDC activists were told to vote at the Zanu-PF base. Muzarabani 9 March 2002 Pinos Mukwengwe (MDC polling agent) was abducted (unclear whether he has been released) and two MDC vehicles torched. 11 March 2002 JM who was an MDC polling agent was accosted by a police officer named Pswarayi who demanded the keys to the MDC vehicle from him. When JM and his colleagues refused to comply, the police officer pulled out a pistol and ordered all MDC polling agents out of the counting centre. They fled when the policeman fired live bullets at them. JM twisted his knee while running away March 2002 Thirty four unnamed MDC members had their houses torched by Zanu-PF and ZNLWVA members. The members were also assaulted by the attackers. 21