February 2019 - Kubatana.net
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February 2019
Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
Zimbabwe’s Dark Moment Celebrated as ‘Dawn of a
new era’
Zimbabweans were unaware it was the dawn of a new error when they marched in support of the military coup in November 2017
Two phrases, “The people have spoken” Following the November 2017 coup, the among government workers.
and “The voice of the people is the voice of
military consolidated its power and con-
Zimbabweans resorted to street protests
God” , were frequently used by the ZANU trol of both government and the ruling
and the government responded with brute
PF leadership to sanitise the November ZANU PF party.
force by deploying armed soldiers who
2017 military coup that resulted in Presi-
The military’s ugly hand in the much dis- shot 12 civilians while about 80 were left
dent Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ascendency
puted 2018 elections was quite apparent nursing gunshot injuries.
to power and the ultimate ouster of former
and this was evidenced by the shooting of
President, Robert Mugabe. Over a 1 000 civilians were arrested with
7 civilians during protests against elec-
the government giving the courts a di-
As Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) we toral fraud on August 1, 2018 in Harare.
rective to fast track the trials of the arrest-
maintained that the army was intervening As if that was not enough, the army was
ed persons. This resulted in lawyers tak-
in order to deal with ZANU PF factional to be deployed in high density suburbs of
ing to the streets in protest against the
capture of the judiciary.
fights Irather than national issues) and Harare where they terrorised residents.
that their actions would further escalte Despite international condemnation, re-
This was coming at a time the nation and
the constitutional crisis in the country. ports of rape, torture and abductions be-
the international community had been
ing perpetrated by the army continue to
Our position was in contrast to the beliefs made to believe that Zimbabwe was in a
be recorded.
and sentiments among ordinary citizens new dispensation.
that the removal of Mugabe would end Regardless of the video evidence and pic-
Following the much discredited 2018 elec-
decades of repression. tures of police and army harassing and
tions, Zimbabwe’s constitutional crisis
beating up citizens, both the army and
Little did Zimbabweans know of what was worsened by the legitimacy crisis on
police continue to deny the involvement of
awaited them after the ouster of Mugabe the part of President Mnangagwa and this
their members in these acts of brutality.
through a military coup which they cele- inevitably came with negative implications
brated as independence. on democracy and economic development. This publication seeks to reveal how
Mnangagwa’s administration, which came
The ascendency of President Mnangagwa As the economy continued on a downward
in through a military coup, has further
to power actually escalated the Zim- trend under Mnangagwa’s rule and with
worsened the human rights situation in
bawean crisis and saw the increased mili- the government abdicating on its social
the country through increased militarisa-
tarisation of the Zimbabwean state with protection role, there was unrest among
tion of the State.
the cinstitution virtually suspended. the generality of Zimbabweans including
Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
Will the Shootings Ever End: A Time Line of Military’s
Involvement in Zimbabwe’s Politics
That the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has
been and continues to be involved in Zimba-
bwe’s politics and in disregard of the country’s
constitution is quite crystal.
Any attempts to refute this is nothing but cheap
propaganda.
History has it on record that the Zimbabwe
National Army would fight in ZANU PF’s corner
whenever the party was at its weakest.
Between 1983 and 1987, the Zimbabwe National
Army engineered what today is known as Guku-
rahundi following contestations of power and
control between ZANU and ZAPU. The Guku-
rahundi was a series of massacres of Ndebele
civilians carried out by the Zimbabwe National
Army. A compromised unity accord was signed
between ZANU and ZAPU which led to the for-
mation of ZANU PF.
Fast forward to the formation of the main oppo-
sition, the Movement for Democratic Change, Retired army General and Vice President of Zimbabwe referring to the national constitution
senior military personnel are always on record
responsible for political violence in rural areas January 2018- Zanu (PF) Political Commissar,
that they will not allow the ascendancy of oppo-
and revealed that the army was supplying arms Rt Lt General Engelbert Rugeje laid bare the
sition members to the Presidency.
and trucks to paramilitary groups aligned to army’s involvement in elections in a warning to
Zanu (PF) Gutu villagers. He narrated his involvement in
Prior to the 2002 Presidential elections, Zimba-
politics while he was still a member of the Zim-
bwe’s Military Chief, the late Vitalis Zvinavashe
On the eve of the bloody June 2008 run-off babwe National Army and said, “We are getting
publicly announced that they will not allow
election, Lieutenant General Rugeje who was towards important elections this year. I came
opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai to run the
deployed in Masvingo said the army will drive here in 2008 when things were bad. I don’t
country even if he wins elections.
people to polling stations to ensure they vote for know where Masvingo had got this spirit and I
President Mugabe, “We are soldiers. We do not came and sorted things out. I came back again
Zvinavashe was supported by service chiefs who
ask for things but we force things. On Friday, we in 2013 and led the campaign team and I moved
included Army Commander and now Vice Presi-
are going to make sure that you go and vote, not around the province addressing rallies and the
dent, Constantine Chiwenga, Air Force Chief
for any person of your choice but for President results were impressive.”
and now Minister of Lands and Agriculture,
Mugabe. I am not asking you to do so but will
Perrence Shiri and the then Police Commis-
force you to go and vote.” December 2016- Masvingo Minister of State,
sioner General, Augustine Chihuri.
Josiah Hungwe threatened to deploy the army if
2009- Defence Forces Commander, Constan- Zanu (PF) loses the 2018 elections. He said, “Yes
The Crisis Team tracks the record of the army
tine Chiwenga said they will not allow the MDC we can go to war. We can hire our army. Our
as well as police involvement in politics;
-T to take over-even if they win elections- be- soldiers can come in to help us. Don’t forget
cause the party was foreign driven. what Rugeje (then Lieutenant General) did in
January 2002- Defence Forces Chief, Vitalis
Masvingo in 2008. We can call him again in
Zvinavashe warned journalists against report-
February 2011- A report by the Zimbabwe 2018.”
ing on the army’s actions including their in-
Peace Project (ZPP) revealed that the military
volvement in politics and elections
and war veterans were leading a violent crusade December 2017- Presidential Advisor, Chris
against opposition party supporters in rural Mutsvangwa said, “We are going to campaign for
August 2007- Prisons Boss, Paradzai Zimhon-
areas. The report announced that Douglas Nyi- Zanu (PF) along with our army which is the best
di said he would take up arms and fight if Mu-
gabe loses the 2008 elections kayaramba, who was Brigadier General by then, in the world and also traditional leaders”
March 2008- The then police Commissioner had warned chiefs that they will have a case to
General, Augustine Chihuri in a statement answer if President Mugabe loses the 2013 elec- Recent reports of the army campaigning for
aimed at the late MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvang- tions. Zanu (PF) in rural areas as well as the continued
irai and Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn leader Simba militarization of the Zimbabwe Electoral Com-
Makoni said, “This must serve as warning to January 2012- Major General Douglas Nyi- mission (ZEC) are disturbing and certainly take
puppets. We will not allow any puppets to take kayaramba described MDC-T leader and then away prospects of free, fair and credible polls.
charge.” Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai as a national
security threat and suggested that the military
In August 2018-The army was deployed in
should step in and deal with him
March 2008- Defence Forces Commander, Con- December 2013- The then Police Commissioner Harare Metropolitan province to ‘assist’ the
stantine Chiwenga threatened to overthrow the Zimbabwe Republic Police in controlling citizens
General, Augustine Chihuri said himself and
constitutional order if President Mugabe lost the who were demonstrating peacefully following
2008 elections. the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) were not
apologetic for supporting the ruling party, Zanu revelations that the Zimbabwe Electoral Com-
He said, “Elections are coming up and the army
(PF) and implored police officers to ensure Zanu mission was attempting to rig elections in favour
will not support or salute sell-outs and agents of
the West before, during and after the Presiden- (PF’s) continued stay in power of the ruling ZANU PF party. Six innocent people
tial elections. We will not support any one other were killed by the army.
than President Mugabe who has sacrificed a lot
March 2014- Air Force of Zimbabwe Boss, Per-
for the country. In January 2019-The army was deployed to
rence Shiri celebrated Zanu (PF’s) victory and
When asked about the role of the army in de- deal with citizens who protested against in-
mocracy, Chiwenga said, “Are you mad? What is announced that the MDC-T (which he labeled as
a party of puppets) was sliding into extinction. crease in the cost of living. It is reported that the
wrong about the army supporting the President
against the election of sell-outs?” Shiri was speaking at the burial of the late Wing army is still leading operations in most commu-
April 2008- A report by Human Rights Watch Commander Brian Muchenje nities. Cases of women abuse and human rights
accused the Zimbabwean Military of being are reportedly increasing.
Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
The gun blocking democracy, economic development
in Zimbabwe
Following the November 2019 deployed heavily armed pointed out in November Extract from the Monthlante Commission
2017 military coup which soldiers against protestors 2017, a serious threat to Recommendations ...pg 50
ousted former leader, Robert who were demonstrating constitutionalism and de-
Mugabe, Zimbabwe was against the increased cost of mocracy and the continued Enforcement of Law and Order
plunged into a constitutional living in the country. militarization of the Zimba-
crisis and the situation was bwean state has clearly 1. The Commission recommends that
worsened by the increased The soldiers fired live ammu- stood in the way of democra- Parliament should give consideration
militarization of the State. nition at the protestors and cy ad economic development. to aligning the POSA with the provi-
12 lives were lost while sions of the Constitution on the de-
.What followed was a disput- about 78 people were left We reiterate that the army ployment of the Military internally.
ed election held on July 30, nursing gunshot injuries. must go to the barracks
2018 and the army’s hand in where they belong for the 2. Police should be equipped with the
the much discredited elec- The soldiers went on a ram- sake of democracy and eco- necessary skills and capacity for deal-
tion was very much appar- page abducting and tortur- nomic development. ing with rioters.
ent. ing civilians in various sub-
urbs around the country. We note with concern that 3. Whilst the use of the Military to assist
t has to be noted that prior current efforts at peace ad the Police for the control of public
to the elections, the ruling The gruesome activities by national dialogue are being order, is recognised worldwide, this
party, Zanu PF, had openly the military also resulted in blocked by the army who should only be resorted to as a last
declared that they would the rape of women especially continue to terrorize civilians measure in extraordinary situations
campaign with the assis- in Harare. Cases of masked despite a pledge by President 4. The Commission recommends in the
tance of the army while sen- and armed soldiers having Mnangagwa to investigate interests of national cohesion and the
ior Zanu PF officials openly unprotected sex with the the so called rogue soldiers.
victims have been recorded. protection of all citizens, that the Po-
boasted that Zimbabwean lice should be further trained to be
soldiers were ready to shoot In the same vein, we implore
We are concerned that the President Mnangagwa to professional and non-partisan.
for President Emmerson government has been trying
Mnangagwa and block oppo- to play cheap propaganda walk the talk on his ledge for 5. he Military should conduct an imme-
sition ascendancy to power. peace and national dialogue. diate and full audit of its standing
saying that the gruesome
acts were committed by Current actions by the mili- orders and procedures for engagement
And when Zimbabweans in law and order enforcement opera-
took to the streets to protest ‘rogue soldiers’. tary serve as the biggest
tions, including riot control, in order
against electoral fraud on deterrent to foreign invest-
The stance by the govern- ments and will further alien- to identify in an appropriate public
August 1, 2018, armed sol- ment adds salt to the inju- report the lessons learnt and the tai-
diers responded with brute ate the country from the
ries of Zimbabweans who international community yet lored safeguards and targeted training
force and this resulted in the have been and continue to to be undertaken to prevent any ill-
murder of 7 civilians while the government would want
be affected by the army bru- to blame civic society organi- discipline that could lead to loss of life
several others sustained tality. and injury in the future on the part of
gunshot wounds. zations for ‘inviting sanc-
tions’. its forces in highly politicised, tense,
The Zimbabwe National Ar- and stressful situations of crowd con-
The army was later to be my has a long history of
deployed in the country’s We also need to put it on trol. This would include the firing of
defying the constitution and record that the Zimbabwe warning shots not in accordance with
high density suburbs where openly engaging in politics in National Army has become
they terrorized civilians and its standing operational procedures.
support of Zanu PF. the biggest threat to the
also persecuted opposition 6. The Military, in conjunction with the
and civic society activists It has to be noted that senior security of the Zimbabwean Police, should consider and adopt
who had to flee for safety. army officials are on record citizenry and ultimately na-
tional stability. contingency policies and plans for
threatening to unleash war emergency situations when the exi-
The Monthalnte Commis- in the event that Zanu PF’s
sion, which was instituted to hold on power is threatened. Below is a link to a Crisis in gencies of time do not permit detailed
investigate the August 1 Zimbabwe Coalition detailing consultations so that there are no
killings, condemned the The army, since the military the army’s involvement in gaps in the applicable procedure or
heavy-handed approach by coup of November 2017, has the politics of the country any uncertainties or ambiguities, and
the soldiers. emerged as the biggest viola- against the dictates of the that a workable operational plan at all
tors of the country’s consti- country’s supreme law levels is prepared in advance of any
Despite the recommenda- tution and so much has future possible disturbances. The
tions by the Monthlante been their brutality that they important point is that corporate fail-
Cmmission to the effect that have failed to respect the ings must be prevented in the future.
the government should de- right to life.
sist from deploying armed 7. The use of live ammunition as warning
soldiers against civilians, the The military coup of Novem- shots should be discouraged and
government on January 14, ber 2017 was, as we rightly should only be used in limited circum-
Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
CiZC calls for an all inclusive national dialogue
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) rape and other forms of brutali- aimed at achieving inclusive
welcomes calls for national dialogue as ty by the army continue to be sustainable economic growth
a way of resolving the multi faceted recorded. and development.
crisis bedeviling the country.
The government has apparently The Government of Zimbabwe must
It is CiZC’s long held view that following
failed to uphold fundamental uphold and guarantee citizens’
the disputed July 30, 2018 elections, a
national dialogue was critical in resolv- human rights including the rights as enshrined in the Zim-
ing the Zimbabwean crisis. right to life as evidenced by its babwean Constitution and oth-
continued deployment of armed er regional and international
We reiterate that a national dialogue, in soldiers agaunst civilians human rights treaties and stat-
its nature, should be inclusive and not utes. Full implementation of
necessarily be a political dialogue The media, particularly the state - the country’s constitution is
among political parties. controlled media continues to equally imporatant in promot-
In this briefing, we highlight our con- be partial while perpetuating ing democracy in Zimbabwe.
cerns over the Zimbabwean issue as divisions in society and brazen-
well as our expectations from the na- ly attacking civil society as plot- The Government of Zimbabwe must
tional dialogue process; ting to subvert Zimbabwe’s con- respect the fundamental right
stitutional democracy. We are of access to information, free-
CiZC concerns concerned that the government, dom of expression as well as
Zimbabwe has not fully implement- through the State media, con- freedom of association.
ed the 2013 Constitution. The tinues to criminalize the work of
civic society. There is need to immediately opera-
implementation of the constitu-
tionalise a comprehensive pro-
tion has been slow and there is
At a time there is national outcry gramme on national healing,
limited movement in repealing
over the deteriorating economic reconciliation and nation
repressive legislation which is
situation in the country, there building that will depolarise
in conflict with the constitution.
is an apparent attempt by the society and entrench the re-
Society continues to call for
State to silence dissenting voic- spect for diversity, inclusion
security sector and media re-
es through arbitrary arrests, and tolerance in all facets of
forms and there are concerns
beatings, abductions and life.
over the non-implementation of
threatening civil society leaders
recommendations by the SADC The army must desist from parti-
and trade unionists. At the
Election Observer Mission to san politics and confide them-
same time, the government has
facilitate for diaspora voting. selves to the barracks. There is
apparently failed to walk the
talk in as far as eradicating an imperative need to de-
There is a perpetual economic melt-
corruption is concerned. militarise the Zimbabwean
down (resulting from the cur-
state.
rent political crisis) which has
Way forward
resulted in high levels of infla- There is need for non-interference
tion and an increase in domes- It is our conviction that the nation- into the work of institutions
tic debt which has compro- al dialogue process must in- that support democracy. This
mised the government’s capaci- volve all stakeholders and a again calls for full implementa-
ty for the provision of social national visioning process that tion and respect of the coun-
services and social protection has civil society, government, try’s constitution. Also, govern-
for ordinary citizens. The unrest political parties, business, reli- ment must not be seen to be
within the civil service has also gious groups and labour un- criminalising the work of civic
impacted negatively on ordinary ions among other critical society orgaisations.
citizens and has the potential of stakeholders. The dialogue
fuelling more conflicts in Zim- process should produce a CiZC holds the firm view that im-
babwe. clearly timed roadmap to the plementation of electoral re-
demilitarisation of civilian po- forms is critical as a way of
The Zimbabwean society is heavily litical processes and the resto- doing away with disputed elec-
divided and polarised and there ration of normalcy by focusing tions that often resukt in a
is huge trust deficit character- on key political, economic and legitimacy crisis which comes
ised by a perpetuation of politi- social reforms. In this regard, with negative impacts on de-
cal polarisation in post-election we call for FULL CONSULTA- mocracy and economic devel-
period. TION of civic society rather opment
than cosmetic processes.
Military involvement in civilian pro-
cesses - The events of August It is imperative to arrest the eco-
01, 2018 and 14 – 16 January nomic downturn in Zimbabwe
2019 which resulted in the based on a clear reform
shooting of 12 unarmed civil- roadmap and implementation
ians in the full glare of both of pro-poor and inclusive eco-
regional and international me- nomic policies. Efforts at eco-
dia is evidence of the above. We nomic transformation, stabili-
note with concern that cases of sation and growth should be
Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
Zimbabwean communication blackout flouts the law
MISA Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights’ filed an urgent court application challenging the use of the Inter-
ception of Communications Act to wholly suspend communications has been set. The application was heard on Monday 21 Janu-
ary 2019 at 14.30 before Justice Owen Tagu who ruled in favour of the applicant.
Zimbabwe experienced an Internet shutdown that lasted from the early hours of Tuesday 15 January 2019. Government in terms
of the Interception of Communications Act initiated this prolonged shutdown. MISA Zimbabwe submits that this is an abuse of the
snooping law that was passed in 2007 in preparation for the contested 2008 elections.
In their application, MISA Zimbabwe and the ZLHR sought an order revoking the warrant of interception that was issues and used
to justify this four-day Internet shutdown.
The Constitutional Guarantee of Free- through a telecommunication, postal or any “directives” ordering them to shut down
dom of Expression other related service or system in Zimba- services, which suggests that the Govern-
bwe; to provide for the establishment of a ment relied on section 6(2) to close down
Section 61 of the Constitution guarantees
monitoring centre; and to provide for any the Internet. If the Government did so, it
the right to freedom of expression which,
other matters connected with or incidental was wrong. The section cannot be con-
it says, includes:
to the foregoing.’’ strued as impliedly giving the Minister
“freedom to seek, receive and communicate such a drastic power, a power far exceed-
The Act allows a Minister to issue war-
ideas and other information”. ing those the Act expressly gives him un-
rants authorising the interception of com-
der a warrant – a power moreover which is
It is one of the most precious of all human munications and, instead of warrants, to
not even hinted at in the long title of the
rights because, together with freedom of issue directives. The scope of these war-
Act.
association, it forms the bedrock of de- rants and directives are as follows:
mocracy. What section 6(2) obviously means is that
Interception Warrants
if the Minister is asked for a warrant au-
International Law
Section 5 of the Act allows officials respon- thorising the authorities to intercept
The Constitution must be interpreted in sible for state security and crime investi- someone’s communications, the Minister
the light of international law. Freedom of gation to apply for warrants authorising can instead issue a directive authorising a
expression is recognised internationally as the “interception” of communications, and different, less intrusive, type of eavesdrop-
a fundamental human right, protected by section 6(1) goes on to empower a Minister ping: for example, a directive ordering an
both the International Covenant on Civil to issue a warrant in response to such an ISP to disclose who the person has been
and Political Rights (article 19) and the application. Sections 5, 6 and 7 of the Act communicating with, how often, and
Universal Declaration of Human Rights make it clear that a warrant can only au- when.
(article 19). thorise the interception of communica-
Who is the Minister responsible for the
tions, and “intercept” is defined in section
In 2018 the United Nations Human Rights Interception of Communications Act?
2 of the Act as meaning listening to, re-
Council passed a resolution:
cording or copying electronic communica- The Act was originally assigned to the
· affirming that the same rights people tions, or reading or copying communica- Minister of Transport and Communica-
have offline must also be protected online, tions sent by post. tions, but the President has power under
in particular freedom of expression, and section 104(1) of the Constitution to as-
Interception does not therefore extend to
sign it to some other Minister or even to
· condemning unequivocally measures stopping communications from being sent,
reserve its administration to himself. In SI
in violation of international human rights or shutting down communication sys-
212 of 2018 the President chose to reserve
law that prevent or disrupt an individual’s tems. Warrants, in other words, permit the administration of the Act to him-
ability to seek, receive or impart infor- the Government to snoop but not to stop.
self. Hence the word “Minister” must be
mation online, and calling upon all States Directives read as “President” wherever it appears in
to refrain from and cease such measures. the Act.
Section 6(2) of the Act states that where
The Interception of Communications Whatever else the Minister of State Securi-
the Minister receives an application for a
Act ty may be, he is not the President – or
warrant, he may instead issue “any di-
“An Act to provide for the lawful intercep- rective … not involving any interception or wasn’t at the time of writing, at least – and
tion and monitoring of certain communi- monitoring of communications”. does not have authority to issue warrants
cations in the course of their transmission and directives under the Act.
Notices issued by some ISPs referred to
Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
Relieving August 1 Shootings
Gavin Dean Charlesaged 45, of Number 7 St.Kitts, Arcadia, Harare. His Silvia Maphosaaged 53,of 619 Southway Prospect, Waterfalls, employed
body was discovered at corner George Silunduka and Simon Muzenda by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA),Harare. Her body was
Street. An autopsy was done at Parirenyatwa Hospital which revealed discovered at the corner of Inez Terrace and Kenneth Kaunda Avenue. The
that death was due to hypovolemic shock following gunshot injuries. He body was ferried to Parirenyatwa Hospital Mortuary by the police. An
was single and is survived by a 13 year old daughter. autopsy revealed that death was due to hypovolemic shock following gun-
shot injuries. She is survived by her husband and adult children. Evi-
dence from the family of the deceased was given by her young sister, Mrs.
Marian Chidamba and her husband Mr. Thokozani RobertMaphosa.The
witnesses indicated that the deceased was not a political activist but a
Christian who was caught in the cross fire on her way home from work.
In picture, Ishmael’s Kumire’s wife pays her last respect to her late
husband. Ishmael Kumire aged 41, of number 3 Courtney Street, Bal-
lantyne Park Borrowdale. He was shot at corner Jason Moyo Street and
Cameron Street. His brother-in -law Mr. Ignatius Neshava took him to
Parirenyatwa Hospital where it was pronounced that he had died. An
autopsy revealed that death was due to hypovolemic shock following
gunshot injuries. Ishmael Kumire’s family was represented by Mr. Igna-
In Picture, Mr. Maxwell Tauro, father to Challenge Tauro presenting
tious Neshava, his brother in-law who indicated that he was in the com-
his evidence at the Commission of Inquiry.
pany of the deceased when tragedy struck. It was his evidence that the
deceased was not participating in the riot but was guarding his fruit Challenge Tauro aged 20, of Chitamba Farm, Mazowe. He was taken
stall from the rioters. He is survived by his wife and four minor children to Harare Central Hospital on the 1st of August 2018 by unknown
persons. Harare Central Hospital staff transferred him to Parirenyat-
Jealous Chikandira aged 21, residing
wa Hospitalon the same day, where he later died on the 2nd of Au-
at 610 Muzinda New Stands, Hatcliffe.
gust 2018. An autopsy revealed that death was due to hypovolemic
He passed away at the Avenues Clinic
shock following gunshot injuries. Challenge was self employed and
and his body was transferred to
worked from Gulf Complex, popularly known as Market Square.
Parirenyatwa Hospital Mortuary,
where an autopsy revealed that his Brian Zhuwawoaged 26, of 1675 Overspill,
death was due to hypovolemic shock Epworth, Harare. The deceased’s body was
following gunshot injuries. The de- taken by unknown persons to Parirenyatwa
ceased’s family was represented by Hospital Mortuary. An autopsy revealed that
Mr. Simbarashe Chikandira who death was due to hypovolemic shock following
indicated that he was an uncle to the gunshot injuries.Mr. Tineyi Zhuwawo (Pictured
deceased who according to him was a -in blue round neck T-Shirt) represented the
driver and was off duty on the day in deceased’s family. IHe indicated that the
question. He also indicated that the deceased was married and had one minor
deceased was single with no children child who was not yet school going. He ap-
pealed for support for the surviving spouse
and the minor child.
Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
Protesters march in the streets of Harare
Angry protesters barricade the main route to Zimbabwe's capital Harare
from Epworth township on January 14 2019 after announced a more than Protesters sing during a demonstration of Zimbabwean citizens outside
hundred percent hike in fuel prices. Angry protesters barricaded roads the Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria on January 16, 2019, following the
with burning tyres and rocks in Zimbabwe on January 14 after the gov- announcement of a petrol price hike and the shut down of mobile phone
ernment more than doubled the price of fuel in a bid to improve supplies and internet networks.
as the country battles its worst gasoline shortages in a decade. Jekesai
NJIKIZANA / AFP (Source: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/
zimbabwe-protests-the-world-can-help-by-lifting-sanctions)
Protestors gather on the streets during demonstrations over the hike in
fuel prices in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Protesters
have blocked roads in some parts in Zimbabwe's second capital after the
government more than doubled the price of gasoline.
Angry protesters block the main route to Zimbabwe's capital Harare from
Epworth township on 14 January 2019. Picture: AFP
Dozens of chanting, singing Zimbabwe diaspora blocked the entrance of
Zimbabwe embassy in London on - Wednesday 23 January 2019 - caus-
Protesters holds placards during a demonstration of Zimbabwean citizens
ing the embassy staff to close the doors. Chanting "Stop the violence," the
outside the Zimbabwean Embassy in Windhoek, Namibia on Jan. 21,
demonstrators demanded an audience with the ambassador Mr Christian
2019.
Katsande.
Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
‘Learnt Nothing and Forgot Nothing’ from the Monthlante
Commission of Inquiry: A Look into 2019 Killings
Zimbabwe was further plunged into a humanitarian crisis after protests over economic crisis erupted in most parts of the
country on 14 January 2019. The state responded violently with arms of the security sector unleashing live ammunition
on protestors, followed by dragnet attacks on civilians as well as reports of alleged rape on women. The table is a summary
of the cases that were attended to by a network of humanitarian doctors by 25 January 2019.
To date, a total of 16 people have been reported dead.
Zimbabwe Youth Alliance
Director Kumbirai Magorim-
bo after he was butchered
by state security agents
following his abduction.
Tinashe Choto (22), a budding Chitungwiza City foot- Noah Sahombe (29) was beaten so badly on Sunday 20 January 2019 in Muta-
baller was gunned down by soldiers at the height of re. He was referred to Mutare General Hospital. However, his condition contin-
ued to deteriorate and he was transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals
violent protests that rocked the country recently. He is
where he passed on. He is survived by a 24-year-old wife and two children aged
survived by his wife Varaidzo Chiyanike and a seven
5 and 3. His death was confirmed by Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Hu-
month old daughter Janel. man Rights acting spokesperson Norman Matara who wrote on social media.
Civilians assist a 22 year old
woman who was
Kudakwashe
reportedly shot
Rixon died at the
during recent pro-
tests over increas- hands of armed
ing cost of living soldiers who
abducted him in
Harare 's Central
business district
and later tor-
tured him lead-
ing to his death.
Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
Persecution of Civil Society Leaders and Human Rights Defenders
It is regrettable that the government, instead of addressing the deepening economic crisis that has trig-
gered the social unrest, it has resorted to blame shifting and unjustified attacks on civil society leaders
whom it accuses of the chaos. Reports have been received of surveillance of civil society premises, homes
of civil society members, attacks in the media and threats of de-registration by government. The Forum
asserts that the work of civil society particularly human rights defenders is legitimate and must be pro-
tected (Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum)
Evan Mawarire (Pictured above) is
a Zimbabwean pastor and demo-
cratic activist. Mawarire, the found-
er of the #ThisFlag social media
movement largely credited for or-
ganising the 2016 National Shut-
down. The state is accusing him of
having a hand behind the 2019
protests. He was arrested, detained
and currently out on bail awaiting
trial.
Below are links to media articles on persecution of civil society leaders and human rights defenders.
https://www.zimetro.co.zw/obert-masaraure-abducted-in-front-of-his-wife/
https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2019/01/state-security-agents-raid-cizc-chairpersons-home/
https://www.zimeye.net/2019/01/20/rashid-mahiyas-young-brother-badly-assaulted-by-security-details/
https://www.zimeye.net/2019/01/16/artuz-leader-robson-chere-arrested/Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation Zimbabwe's Human Rights Commission says government forces instigated systematic torture of residents following violent protests over fuel price hike. Although he is yet to implement recom- mendations by the Monthlante commission, President Emmerson Mnangagwa says necessary steps will be taken after investigations.. An unidentified men wrestles for his life at Harare health facility after an An injured man is helped at a private hospital after an alleged assault by a alleged assault by the military. group of uniformed soldiers in Harare, Zimbabwe. (AP) An arrested injured man is seen at a hospital following protests in Ha- A teenager was heavily assaulted by unidentifiable soldiers in Hara- rare, Zimbabwe, January 16, 2019. (Reuters) re following their deployment in communities. Following the protests and national shutdown, Zimbabweans found themselves at the mercy of the army which went on a rampage harassing citizens, abusing and raping women, stealing valuables and beating everyone who comes in contact with them.
Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
Following the November 2017 military coup which ousted Robert Mugabe, Zimba-
bwe has been turned into a fully fledged military state with armed soldiers using
brute force against civilians.
Disturbing reports of armed security personnel breaking into private homes of cit-
izens, indiscriminately torturing occupants including children as young as 9 years
old. Residents also reported that in the process, the armed security personnel
looted groceries and money from their victims. These incidencies were rampant
in areas such as Mabvuku, Glen Norah, Highfields, Kuwadzana, Chitungwiza,
Hatcliff, Domboshava, Budiriro, Warren Park and Chinhoyi. The Forum is con-
cerned that the police are working in common purpose with the army and ZANU
PF youth militia in perpetrating these violations (Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum)
Government deploys military to deal with citizens protesting against increasing cost of living. The Security services have been making use
of brutal force against citizens in many parts of the country.
Soldiers take charge of a roadblock as they take over basic police Soldiers in Harare beat innocent protestors on August 2018 follow-
duties in highly militarised Zimbabwe. ing protests against electoral fraud. The army operation resulted in
the death of 6 civilians and more than 400 getting injured.
Both the army and
police spokesper-
sons have surpris-
ingly rejected evi-
dence that the
police and army are
responsible for
brutal attacks on
citizens. They
blame deserters
within their ranks.Darkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
Arbitrary Arrests, Detentions and the Right to Fair Trial
At least 466 people were arrested in unlawful dragnet arrests. Of concern is the denial of access to law-
yers, access to medical treatment, denial of bail, the fast tracking of trials without providing the arrested
an opportunity to adequately prepare for their defence. The Forum condemns the incidences of incom-
municado detentions at military establishments and other illegal places of detention
Some of the first batch of protesters arrive in various courts throughout the country. Most of them were slapped with three years imprison-
ment
Zimbabwe lawyers took to the streets of Harare in protest against militarised judiciary system. The judiciary, under instruction from ZANU PF fast
tracked cases that saw several protesters being sentenced to at 3 years in prison.
Some of the Part of the more than
woman acused of 600 protesters arrested
looting arrive at throughout the country
Harare Magis- arrive in court.
trates court for
trialDarkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
Cases of Rape and Abuse of WomenDarkness at Noon: Inside Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation
Towards Resolution of the Zimbabwe Crisis
There is a national consensus across the board rather than cosmetic processes.
that Zimbabwe urgently needs a broad-based in-
clusive national dialogue. To create a conducive On the Economy:
environment and as part of confidence and trust
2) It is imperative to arrest the economic
building in the national dialogue, the Government
downturn in Zimbabwe based on a clear
of Zimbabwe must immediately meet the following
reform roadmap and implementation of pro
conditions:
-poor and inclusive economic policies. Ef-
forts at economic transformation, stabiliza-
tion and growth should be aimed at
a. End torture, abductions and en- achieving inclusive sustainable economic
forced disappearances, murder, rape and
growth and development.
maiming civilians by the military, state
security agents and ruling party vigilante On Constitutionalism, Rule of Law, Human Rights
groups and Human Security:
b. Decriminalize the work of civic socie- 3) The Government of Zimbabwe must up-
ty and end the continued persecution and hold and guarantee citizens’ rights as en-
arbitrary arrests of civic society leaders shrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution
c. Ensure that peace and human secu- and other regional and international hu-
rity prevails to allow for all stakeholder to man rights treaties and statutes. Full im-
freely express their views on the national plementation of the country’s constitution
dialogue process is equally important in promoting democ-
racy in Zimbabwe.
d. Release of all political prisoners and
return Zimbabwe to the rule of law 4) The Government of Zimbabwe must re-
spect the fundamental right of access to
e. The attack on Chapter 12 institu- information, freedom of expression as well
tions must seize and independent constitu- as freedom of association.
tional bodies allowed to discharge their
mandate without undue interference from 5) There is need to immediately operation-
the state and other conflicted parties alize a comprehensive programme on na-
tional healing, reconciliation and nation
f. Promote fair media coverage for all
building that will depolarize society and
stakeholders and allow divergent views to
entrench the respect for diversity, inclu-
be shared on all media platforms. Toler-
ance to divergence is the hallmark of en- sion and tolerance in all facets of life.
riching the national dialogue process 6) The army must desist from partisan pol-
itics and confide themselves to the bar-
racks. There is an imperative need to de-
Addressing the Zimbabwean crisis implies address- militarize the Zimbabwean state.
ing the concerns of the ordinary citizens who have
had to bear the brutal effects of an economic melt- 7) There is need for non-interference into
down stemming from a constitutional and legitima- the work of institutions that support de-
cy crisis. mocracy. This again calls for full imple-
mentation and respect of the country’s
constitution. Also, government must not be
National Dialogue should consider focusing but seen to be criminalizing the work of civic
not limited to the following: society organizations.
8) CiZC holds the firm view that implemen-
tation of electoral reforms is critical as a
On the process: way of doing away with disputed elections
that often result in a legitimacy crisis
which comes with negative impacts on de-
1) It is our conviction that the national dia- mocracy and economic development
logue process must involve all stakeholders
and should be hinged on a national vision-
ing process that has civil society, govern-
ment, political parties, business, religious
groups and labour unions among other
critical stakeholders. The dialogue process
should produce a clearly timed roadmap to
the demilitarisation of civilian political pro-
cesses and the restoration of normalcy by
focusing on key political, economic and
social reforms. In this regard, we call for
FULL CONSULTATION of all stakeholdersYou can also read
