Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

From Information and Publicity Department - UK

ROHR Zimbabwe has condemned the violent attacks and threats committed on the 16th of April by Zanu (PF) youth militia to the Headmaster of Dandare Primary School in Murewa Mr John Chananda.

Mr Chananda is being accused of being an agent of the MDC-T after allowing them to use the school premises to hold a meeting. It is reported that 2 weeks after the MDC meeting, ZANU PF also asked to use the same premises for their meetings of which was allowed. “As a civil servant, we are not allowed to take sides about political issues. We are partisans”, he said.

After serious threats from ZANU PF supporters and its militia, the head teacher went into hiding in fear of his life. He spent 3 nights sleeping rough in the middle of nowhere in the mountains feeding on maputi (pop–corn) and water. Speaking to ROHR Zimbabwe UK, Mr Chananda has said, “he is really shaken and on the run”. His whereabouts are not known. Asking him if he has reported the matter to the police, he said, “Going to the police is like dropping yourself in a lion's den. Nothing will happen but creating more problems for yourself. I am really scared. I did not do anything wrong”.

Pamela Dunduru, the ROHR National Organising Secretary for UK chapter said, “My uncle is not the kind of person who would run away and go into hiding. He must be in serious trouble and letting these people (ZANU PF) get away with this is just unacceptable. They get away with murder. What is the Unity Government doing? What if something happen to my uncle?” These questions remain unanswered.

The Zimbabwe school term will commence on the 4th of May and one thing is certain Mr Chananda is afraid to be living in Murehwa. As long as the issues of transitional justice are not addressed the perpetrators will continue to threaten, beat, harass and even kill with no come-uppance. This dogmatic way of thinking and acting needs to be brought to an abrupt and immediate end. These perpetrators cannot continue to act like vigilantes without recourse from the government. It is clear that the Unity Government led by Morgan Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe has failed to address these matters.

Zimbabwe will continue to lose its talent pool if these kinds of brutalities are allowed to continue. It is evident from the story of Mr Chananda that he is an essential professional bringing a lot of expertise to the community and the school he heads.

This is a travesty for Zimbabwe and we cannot allow this to be our reality. 

For Peace, Freedom & Justice