By Myriam Clerge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Eastern and Southern Africa
HARARE, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe is investigating several allegations of political violence against opposition groups. The claims allege assault and threat by police, security forces and supporters of President Robert Mugabe and his ruling Zanu-PF party. In an effort to purge rallies and organized public debates regarding the deepening economic and political crisis, Mugabe has passed strict security laws that require opposition groups to seek police approval before holding group gatherings. According to the Movement for Democratic Chance (MDC), the leading opposition party, many of its meetings have been banned without reason.
Promises of a governmental investigation come after several violent incidents by supporters of Zanu-PF. Three MDC officials were abducted from their homes in Chipinge South. According to the MDC, George Makuyaya, the MDC’s parliamentary candidate for next year’s elections, Philip Munopera, the party’s district elections director, and local ward Chairman Leornard Makusha, were pushed into a white truck by six men in broad daylight earlier today. Reports further suspect the three men are being held by loyal Zanu-PF members in a building owned by central committee member Enock Porusingazi. According to Pishai Muchauraya, the MDC spokesman for the region, Porusingazi wants to prevent Mukuyaya from running against him in the parliamentary election.
Another incident involved Tobias Gundavakura, the MDC ward chairman for Mutare. Gundavakura and his brother, wearing MDC shirts, were attacked by a group who accused them of “selling the country to the whites.” The confrontation turned violent when someone from the group, possibly a Zanu-PF youth, pulled out a machete and stuck Gundavakura on the head. The attackers fled and Gundavakura is being treated at the hospital for his injuries, which are serious but not life threatening.
Mugabe continues to deny reports of human rights violation. The Zanu-PF and MDC continue to hold talks of an end to political unrest and economic depression. These talks are mediated by South Africa President Thabo Mbeki who has been accused of bring too soft on Mugabe.
Despite the impression of improvement, the MDC has not been the only group to allege human rights violation by Mugabe’s supporters. Last week the Women in Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), one of the leading civil rights organizations in Zimbabwe, released a report alleging violence against women activists by the police and security officials.
For more information, please see:
AllAfrica.com- Zimbabwe: MDC Activist Attacked with Machete – 25 October 2007
AllAfrica.com- Zimbabwe: Three MDC Officials Abducted in Chipinge South – 25 October 2007
Reuters: Africa- Zimbabwe to Investigate Violence Accusation – 24 October 2007
Impunity Watch- Women Activists Abused – 16 October 2007
