Man beaten for wearing t-shirt mocking Mugabe

A man in Mashonaland Central was allegedly beaten up by Zanu PF activists for wearing a t- shirt which was perceived as mocking President Robert Mugabe.

Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) reported that people continue to be deprived of food mainly by ruling Zanu PF functionaries on allegations that they are opposition supporters.

ZPP also said in Mashonaland Central two people had their farms invaded after they defected from Zanu PF to Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF).

"In a bizarre case, a citizen was harassed for wearing a t-shirt that appeared to mock President Robert Mugabe's birthday. People were forced to contribute between $1 and $2 for the President's birthday celebrations across the country. Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) report for February reveals a total of 147 violations up from last month's 108 cases," said ZPP.

"The month under focus had 663 victims altogether. Of these victims, those from the Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) were 44 people 6,5 %, and those affiliated to the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) stood at 1, 8% which translates to 12 people. Victims affiliated to the MDC-T declined while those affiliated to ZimPF increased."

ZPP said 90.8 % of the victims did not reveal their political affiliations.

"This suggests that political violence is no longer targeted to known political parties but against those who may be politically inactive," ZPP said.

"A total of 663 victims and 139 perpetrators were recorded. 62,2% of the victims were male while 37, 8% were females. 89,9% of the perpetrators were male while 10,1 % were female."

ZPP said one hundred and nineteen (119) perpetrators were affiliated to the ruling Zanu PF party which is 85, 6 % of the figure.

"Fifteen (15) perpetrators could not be established which party they were affiliated to and the remaining 5 perpetrators are members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police," said ZPP.