…Zanu PF named major violator
By Tatiana Mhararira
A shocking 300 percent increase in human rights violations has been recorded in Masvingo from five in March to 20 in April exposing a disturbing trend of systemic repression and abuse of power by those in offices.
This was revealed in the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) monthly monitoring report where it was noted the violations span various categories including labour rights, access to education, economic rights, and access to health and freedom from discrimination.
The ruling party, Zanu PF, emerged as the major culprit, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The report revealed a surge in cases involving marginalized communities, including vendors, villagers, and those in dire need of healthcare.
The violations spanned labor rights, access to education, economic rights, and freedom from discrimination, painting a grim picture of life in Masvingo.
The ZPP documented a total of 93 human rights violations affecting 6 059 individuals nationwide in April. Zanu PF was responsible for 34.1 percent of the cases, while the Zimbabwe Republic Police, local councils, and government officials also played significant roles in perpetrating abuses. Even the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party was not spared, though they recorded a smaller percentage of violations.
“Analysis of the data indicates that individuals affiliated with the ruling party, ZANU PF, were responsible for 34.1 percent of the reported violations. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) accounted for 24.1 percent of the perpetrators, while local councils were responsible for 15.64 percent.
“The Zimbabwe National Army contributed 6.41 percent and government officials 4.62 percent. Members of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) were responsible for 4.36 percent of the cases
“In Masvingo Province the ZPP documented 20 human rights violations that reflect a persistent pattern of economic, political and social repression affecting vulnerable populations,” read the parts of the report.
The report explained how vendors were harassed in Gutu Central infringing their economic rights.
“In Gutu Central, informal vendors were subjected to harassment and had their goods forcibly confiscated, undermining their livelihoods and right to economic participation. Such actions not only inflict immediate financial losses but also exacerbate poverty and insecurity for already struggling families,” read the report.
The report further explained how villagers in Chivi were evicted from their irrigation project and Bikita villagers had no access to better health care system.
“In Chivi, wards 12 and 13, villagers faced threats of eviction to make way for an irrigation project, with no alternative land allocated for resettlement by the state, an act that violates the right to adequate housing and land tenure security. This has left affected communities in a state of fear and uncertainty, with potential long term displacement and loss of ancestral homes.
“In Bikita South, the healthcare system was reported to be in a dire state, with medical facilities lacking essential drugs. This systemic neglect endangers the lives of patients, depriving them of their right to health and contributing to preventable suffering and fatalities,” read part of the report.
The ZPP report further stated that there was political injustice during the dissemination of food aid to its beneficiaries based on political party affiliations and also villagers were forced to pay for future food aid
“Political discrimination was also widespread, particularly in the distribution of food aid, where access was reportedly based on political allegiance, denying critical support to opposition aligned or non-affiliated individuals.
“In the weeks leading up to the Independence Day celebrations, villagers across several areas were coerced into contributing funds under threat of violence or exclusion from future aid. These practices violate freedoms of association, expression, and personal security, instilling fear and deepening divisions within communities,” read the statement.
Harare Province trailed behind Masvingo with 14 violations, other provinces include Manicaland 12, Mashonaland Central 13, Mashonaland East 11, and Mashonaland West 12.
Midlands Province reportedly recorded a decrease in reported incidents, from 14 in March to five in April. Matebeleland provinces recorded fewer cases where Bulawayo had one, Matabeleland North two and Matabeleland South three.
In Harare, there was continued denial of bail and the use of prolonged pre-trial detention as a punitive tool. Journalist Blessed Mhlanga of Heart and Soul TV (HSTV), who was arrested on 24 February 2025, was detained for 72 days before being released by order of the High court on the 6th of May 2025. Mhlanga is now facing joint charges with his employer under two counts of transmitting data messages allegedly inciting violence or property damage.
In Matabeleland South wards 3 and 5, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) failed to supply water, offering only excuses as communities continue to suffer. Residents are relying on rainwater, walking 3 to 4 kilometres to access distant boreholes, or resorting to buying water from private vendors for an average of 10 Rand for 20 litres.
In Manicaland, in Mutare North, government ministries pressured public servants, including teachers at Chipfatsura Primary School, to contribute USD $1 each toward funding the Independence Day celebrations. A letter endorsed by traditional leaders, including Headman Solomon Tafirenyika, was circulated to schools, demanding contributions in both cash and kind for the event at Gomorefu Secondary School in Mutare West. These actions constitute financial coercion and misuse of public service structures for partisan ends.
In Mashonaland East, in Mudzi North, villagers over the age of 18 were compelled to pay a total of US$4 for purchasing a ZANU PF party card and funding the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. This enforced fundraising was orchestrated by local village heads and ZANU PF leadership, placing a significant psychological and financial burden on residents, many of whom are already economically strained.
In 2023, high numbers of complaint cases regarding unfair distribution of food aid and agricultural inputs were worrying the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) since they continued to recur with resources needed for investigations being more than the value of the goods complained over.
The cumulative effect of these violations is the erosion of trust in public institutions, increased social tensions and a shrinking civic space, which altogether hinder sustainable peace, inclusive development, and democratic governance in the region.
