CSO cries foul over escalation of human rights violations

A Human, Civil and Political Rights lobby organization, Heal Zimbabwe has condemned violence that reportedly erupted in Chitungwiza over the weekend where ZANU PF youths working in cahoots with members of the police assaulted MDC-T youths who had refused to oblige to their demands of paying $20 for illegal stands allocation.

In a statement Heal Zimbabwe said, "On the day in question, the ZANU PF youths who had skirmishes with the MDC-T youths over the $20 issue, ran to a local police station and brought 7 policemen who helped them assault the MDC-T youths. A MDC youth sustained a broken leg in the process."

"After that, the ZANU PF youths assisted the police in identifying houses belonging to MDC activists where the police proceeded and harassed the MDC-T Councillor, Mr Majoni and assaulted another MDC-T youth, Biggie Chitengu who has since been admitted at a local hospital in Harare."

The organization said the rogue elements also proceeded to St Marys where they continued assaulting targeted MDC-T youths. After the gruesome act, ironically the police arrested the victims of the assault.

"The arrested MDC-youths were only identified as Chabuka, Kuda and Katoma who have since been granted $50 bail by a Chitungwiza Magistrate," reads the testament.

"Heal Zimbabwe expresses concern on the selective application of justice by the police who are supposed to protect the nation and safeguard people's rights against violence and abuse. Such a behaviour and approach to justice reduces people's confidence in the police and other law enforcement agencies. The organisation urges the Government to launch a thorough investigation into the case and apprehend the perpetrators of the violence."

Meanwhile Heal Zimbabwe condemns the intra party violence that erupted on Saturday, 21 March 2015 in Makoni Central in Rusape during MDC-T District elections at Nyabadza growth point.

"The violence occurred after former MP for Buhera Central, Tangwara Matimba tried to preside over the district elections. However, people in the area did not recognise him and this resulted in violence. Several people have been arrested in the area in connection with the incident," reads its statement.

"Heal Zimbabwe expresses concern over the resurgence of politically-motivated violence. Such indications signal potential threats of violence ahead of the anticipated by-elections and future national elections. The Organisation calls on all political parties to shun violence during their internal processes and the upcoming by-elections."