By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
A report by the Zimbabwe Peace Project indicated that most of the violence in the country is being perpetrated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
Zanu PF follows on the list of those dominating in violence perpetration in the country.
ZPP December statistics showed that police occupied 38% of perpetrators in the country which has been an increase as compared to the previous month November 2019, up from 34.6% recorded in November 2019.
Domination by the police reveals a state where there is the use of State apparatus to stifle opposition.
Zimbabwe Peace Project recorded a total number of 119 human rights violations in December which was a slight decrease from the 209 recorded in November.
Several scenes have been recorded where police brutality and harassment against citizens.
“It is disturbing as it presents a scenario where the supposed citizen’s protectors become a threat to the same citizens. On 12 December 2019, anti-riot police officers assaulted and apprehended vendors and members of the public in Harare CBD a Market Square.
“Among victims who were apprehended were six males and seven females,” stated the report.
Statistics gathered by ZPP showed that Mashonaland and Harare provinces scored the highest number of violations with Mashonaland recording 22 violations, Harare 21, Mashonaland East 19 while Manicaland and other provinces recorded the lowest.
The decrease in number of violations in the month of December was attributed to being a month where people will be occupied and will be busy with farming.
“December has always recorded lower numbers of human rights violations probably because the focus will be on the farming season and attending to fields,” stated ZPP report.
Political violence being perpetrated by Zanu PF youths was recorded too in the month of December and was targeting MDC supporters. Cases recorded were in Chuwundura and Shurugwi Rural ward 6.
Civil servants were also not spared in the violence.
“On 22 December 2019 a case of harassment and intimidation was reported in Chikari at Milverton Primary School, teachers who stay at the school were harassed and intimidated by Zanu PF activists; Pedzisai Chadenga and Collen Chinyani over the poor performance of grade 7 results.
Issues of peace and security need to be treated with the importance they deserve in Zimbabwe.
