'Zanu-PF, state actors dominate rights abuses'

The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has reported 104 human rights violations affecting 3,201 people in February, with state institutions and Zanu-PF-linked actors cited as responsible for the majority of the abuses.

According to the report, the violations included torture, assault, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on freedoms of assembly, association, and expression. The incidents were largely concentrated in Harare, Manicaland, and Matabeleland North provinces.

Of those affected, 1,651 were women (including 24 persons with disabilities), while 1,550 were men (including 14 persons with disabilities), indicating widespread impact across different segments of society.

Zanu-PF was identified as accounting for 35.46% of the violations, followed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (21.12%), with both groups largely linked to intimidation, coercion, and interference with civic freedoms.

Other contributors included local councils (15.14%), school authorities (11.55%), traditional leaders (6.37%), and other government officials and suspected state agents (each at 3.59%). The Zimbabwe National Army accounted for 1.20%, while 1.99% of cases involved unidentified actors.

ZPP said the findings highlight systemic involvement of state and politically affiliated actors, raising concerns over accountability, personal safety, and the ability of citizens to freely participate in civic life.

In terms of geographic distribution, Harare recorded the highest number of cases at 30, followed by Manicaland (17) and Matabeleland North (16). Other provinces included Masvingo (11), Mashonaland East (8), Mashonaland West (7), Mashonaland Central (6), Bulawayo (4), Midlands (4), and Matabeleland South (1).

The report noted that violations were most prevalent in urban and politically sensitive areas, underscoring the need for stronger monitoring, accountability mechanisms, and protection of citizens' rights.