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ROHR Zimbabwe holds Public Hearing in Bindura

Thursday, 08 October 2009 01:00 administrator
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ROHR Zimbabwe yesterday (5th October) held a public hearing in Bindura to establish facts from the inhabitants on the precipice of an imminent eviction from Foothills farm under the ongoing chaotic farm invasions by ZANU Pf supporters. More than 30 family heads attended the public hearing representing over 700 inhabitants.
 
It was a nerve racking experience learning the brutal first hand information from a people that have suffered so much pain, agony and loss at the hands of a few callous men that believe they are more superior and deserving than other human beings.

Sitting listening to the testimonies of the worst human rights violations in this day and age seemed like turning back the clock to the horrific slave trade era. To think that men and women over the ages of 65 years could be forced farm labor refused to sink. For what its worthy the justification of the inhuman treatment is premised over political grounds emanating from a clique with war credentials that believes in rewarding itself and holding at ransom those that are deemed to be outcast from the party that brought the liberation struggle to Zimbabwe.

All the victimization and persecution is in itself not the end but a means to an end. The weaponry is denial of the fundamental human rights, right to decent shelter, right to live in peace, right to safe clean water, right to live a dignified life, right to education, right to state security, right to a fair trial, right to decent working conditions, right to life. All these fundamental rights have become a far cry and have since been substituted with a chaotic environment of uncertainty, fear and psychological torture.

The oppressors clearly know that they are fighting people riddled in poverty without resources to hire expensive lawyers. No matter how loud their victims can cry, it falls between the rocks. The police have assumed a pre determined positions in favor of the oppressors.

To that part of the country, the government of national unity is a non event. A participant at the hearing said,’ self proclaimed war liberators like Webster Bepura, cde Sato, Ruston Ngandu and Jacob Chiripanyanga believe that they are still running this country, there is nothing like a government of national unity’ hence the resolve to exercise their power on the vulnerable and trampled.

First it was punishment for participating as voting agents for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), then for participating in a peaceful march by ROHR Zimbabwe in a campaign to demand democracy and justice from the government and head of state.

Systematic series of trumped up charges on the grounds of theft of farm equipment are the order of the day as punishment for resisting illegal eviction.

An operation to weed out workers who worked for the white farmers followed. Typical of the ZANU Pf hate speech and slogans a discriminating term was coined to refer to those who worked for white farmers and
considered members of the MDC, ‘mabritish.’ Resisting illegal eviction has come with a steep price of a multi faceted man made crisis.

Homes have been destroyed by heartless youth militia, livestock looted, attempts at growing crops has been met by herds of cattle unleashed to graze as deliberate stifling efforts to deny food security, donor aid groups have been barred from giving assistance and school children have not been spared.

Despite all the suffering, the inhabitants of foothills farm have not given up on the place they have known as home their entire lives, a place that is linked to their fore fathers, their birthright. Some had their fathers coming as far as Malawi and Mozambique.

What pains them most is the sacrifice of sweat and blood that they have tendered towards the development of their community let alone the knowledge that the place is designated to be a growth point. Through community owned development schemes the residents molded more than 10 000 bricks towards the building of a school and clinic and suddenly a few individuals impose themselves and demand their ouster because the party they belong to does not subscribe to the 21st century ideals of a democratic society in which people with different political backgrounds can co- exist in peace and harmony. ‘’We cannot suffer because of one new comers who cannot live well with others. We are prepared to work with people who tolerate others for the development of this country” said Luckmore Langton.

ROHR Zimbabwe noted the following appeals that were directed to the government and other well wishers, aid humanitarian organizations, donors and individuals:-
·         Need for a fair trial to be heard under the law without discrimination as guaranteed by the Zimbabwean Constitution and International law. The call follows shocking revelations to ROHR Zimbabwe that the judgment made by Judge Chakanyuka on Friday the 2nd of October was passed in the absence of the defendants and defense lawyers were only called to collect a ruling from the clerk of court.
·         Need to reverse the unfolding circle of the illegal eviction of farm workers at the hands of the new often violent farm occupiers as this would set in motion a dangerous precedence considering the fact that there are hundreds of families/households facing the same circumstances country wide.
·         The Zimbabwe Republic Police should conduct their duties professionally and accept reports without discriminating on political ground, investigate and bring to book criminals who violate the rights of vulnerable citizens like farmers workers with impunity. No one is above the law and every citizen regardless of political affiliation is entitled to the right to state protection.
·         Assistance in settling legal fees that are now an excess of US 17 000 stretching from December 2008 when the trial opened. The people in question do not have a sustainable income to cater for their basic requirements such as food let alone legal fees.
·         Need for law enforcement agents to put to an end to the intimidation and victimization currently instigated by ZANU Pf supporters on innocent people who are now living in constant fear of their lives.
·         Intervention to support food security and providing capacity for small scale sustainable projects to bolster livelihoods and improve standards of leaving. Inhabitants are barred from engaging in small scale gardeningwhich is their only available source of survival. The US $ 10 they earn as salary is a far cry to carter for the daily needs for a standard family 4.
·         Providing clean safe water. For more than two years inhabitants have been drinking water from unprotected wells which leaves them in danger of cholera outbreaks and other water borne diseases.
·         Ensuring the availability of decent shelter suitable for human beings. Demolished houses are in need of renovation to restore rooftops, windows, doors and electricity. Inhabitants have been discriminated from occupying houses with electricity under the new farm settlers.
·        Need to teach the inhabitants about their constitutional and fundamental human rights, how to protect, defend and demand human rights at community level. There is need to provide capacity for the community to assume the watchdog role on human rights abuses and getting involved in governance issues as long term measures aimed towards a culture of respecting human rights.
·         Need to initiate counseling programs that encourage psychological healing and eradication of fear.
Financial assistance to ensure the right to education for all children on the farm.

From the information Department of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

Last Updated on Thursday, 08 October 2009 01:03
 

Magistrate rules in favor of the eviction of 26 families under mysterious circumstances

Monday, 05 October 2009 22:42 administrator
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In a highly controversial development magistrate Chakanyuka on Friday 2nd October ruled in favor of the eviction of 26 families from Foothills farm, 15 km from Bindura along Matepatepa road. The judgment was based on a default judgment of 11th September this year in which the applicant Ruston Ngandu sought to evict the respondents.  

Independent critics including the defence lawyers have expressed shock and disapproval towards the ruling and it has been slammed as lacking merit and biased even under the scrutiny of a layman’s eye. Defense lawyers representing the 26 families have noted with concern that magistrate Chakanyuka, did not take into consideration their submissions before she handed out her judgment.  

In their argument Bonyongwe and partners representing the 26 families argued that Foothills farm was not resettled and it is meant to be a township with space for a school, clinic and commercial ground for shops. They further argue that the default judgment of 11th of September is null and void since their clients were not officially served.  

Further, Ruston Ngandu did not produce any legal documents in the form of title deeds or valid offer letter to prove that the area in question was allocated to him by the government.  

An eye witness who refused to be named, revealed to ROHR Zimbabwe that magistrate Chakanyuka was seen the night before the court ruling at Kimbery Refey, a local hotel in Bindura in the company of a notorious war veteran comrade Sato Webster Bepura who is also evicting farm workers from foothills farm, Mashonaland Central governor advocate Martin Dina and Acting Area Public Prosecutor Mr. Gini, raising fears that the ruling to evict the 26 families was a result of interference on the bench by supporters of ZANU PF.  

Commenting on the outcome, ROHR Zimbabwe’s secretary general, Tichanzii Ganganda said the ruling was a smack on the face of justice and it represents the manipulation of the law by those with influence to deny fair trial to vulnerable citizens.  

Magistrate Chakanyuka is set to decide on the fate of another 50 families facing eviction from Carse farm when their case continues on Friday the 9th of October. Meanwhile Binyongwe and Partners are set to submit an appeal to the High court to challenge the ruling by magistrate Chakanyuka.
 

From the information Department of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe
For Peace, Justice and Freedom

Last Updated on Monday, 05 October 2009 22:45
 

ROHR urges the government to stop the continued displacement of farm workers on seized farms

Saturday, 03 October 2009 11:49 administrator
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FROM THE INFORMATION DEPARTMENT OF RESTORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ZIMBABWE (ROHR) 

Carse Farm
50 families are facing eviction from Carse farm, 20 km from Bindura. Ruston Ngandu who took over Carse farm wants the 50 families off the farm as he deems that their presence is disturbing his farming activities.

Magistrate Chakanyuka heard the case at the Bindura magistrate courts on 28th September and deferred ruling to 9th October. The 50 families, whose lives are hanging by the line and face the likelihood of becoming destitute if evicted, are being represented by Human Rights Defenders Lawyers Bonongwe and Partners.

Douglas Ruwihi spoke with ROHR Zimbabwe and believes that their eviction case is politically motivated as Ruston Ngandu is punishing them for being supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change. Mr. Ruwihi told ROHR Zimbabwe that since 2002 when the farm was taken from a Robert Kascoe, they have been going through hell. Their homes were burnt during the infamous Operation Murambatsvina in 2002 and they have been experiencing a series of intimidation and attacks aimed at frustrating them to leave the place that they have known as home throughout their entire lives. ‘Our lives will be destroyed if the court rules in favour of Ngandu. We have lived here all our lives and we have nowhere to go. ‘Our fathers came from Malawi and Mozambique’ said Douglas Ruwihi.

Margaret Mukunga from the same group said they have resorted to sleeping in the graveyard at night as a way of escaping victimization by their new farm occupier. Their roofless houses are no longer safe for human inhabiting as they are exposed to cold and mosquitoes at night. She expressed fears of contracting malaria from mosquito bites. Margaret Mukunga told ROHR Zimbabwe that over 200 children at the farm are not going to school as the parents are finding it hard to source income; the only little money they are getting is going towards the payment of legal fees. So far they have paid a total of US$1900 legal fees through selling maize, brewing and selling beer.

Foothills Farm
Meanwhile, Magistrate Chakanyuka is also expected to deliver a ruling today in a case in which former mayor of Bindura Webster Bepura is seeking the ouster of 26 families from Foothills farm, 15 km from Bindura along Matepatepa road. The 26 families are being represented by Bonongwe and partners under the Human Rights Defenders program which is aimed at providing legal assistance for the vulnerable citizens who find themselves unable to defend their constitutional and fundamental human rights.

Speaking on behalf of the 26 families, Luckmore Langton says hell broke loose when they participated in the 2008 harmonized elections as voting agents for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Since then they have been targeted in a crack down on supporters of the MDC. Langton has lived at Foothills farm since 1986 and he accuses the former mayor of Bindura, Webster Bepura of destroying their homes, property, livelihoods and barring them from carrying out small scale gardens on the farm which are their sole source of income. He bemoans the life that they are now living compared to how they lived before the farm was taken away from David Bailey in 2002.

He says they used to afford school fees and transport to send their children to school 11km away but now they can only struggle to send the children as far as grade seven from their US$10 monthly earning. There is no water and electricity at the nearby school and clinic which leaves high fears of a cholera outbreak looming.

Mean while, a war veteran, Jacob Chiripanyanga is also evicting Lazarus Marunga, Lainos Zakeo, Gift Mhembere and Fanuel Musona. This follows an incident this month in which the four were assaulted and had their homes destroyed when they were attached by a group of ZANU PF youth in the company of Jacob Chiripanyanga.

ROHR Zimbabwe’s Position on the eviction of farm workers
We note with grave concern that the plight of farm workers in the hands of the new farm settlers has gone unnoticed by both the inclusive government and the law enforcement authorities.  Farm workers throughout the country have suffered immense human rights violations ranging from denial of the right to a decent shelter, food, state protection, clean water, right to education and right to decent standards of living under the continued farm invasions.

It is deplorable that the new farm settlers have resorted to illegal systematic violent intimidation campaigns that are aimed at frustrating farm workers and forcing them away from their homes. For the eviction battles to end up in the courts, the farm workers would have shown unyielding resistance to the illegal eviction often characterized by inhuman and degrading frustrating tendencies.

The acts of impunity against farm workers have mainly been instigated on political grounds by ZANU PF supporters and youth militia as punishment to those deemed to be affiliated to the MDC in the form of organized violence, destruction of property and livelihoods.

AS ROHR Zimbabwe, it is our position that farm workers, like any other citizens of Zimbabwe, have inalienable fundamental human rights inherent to the human fraternity from birth as guaranteed under the Zimbabwean Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Bill of Rights and the African Charter on People’s Rights and Freedoms.

ROHR Zimbabwe calls upon the Ministry of Home Affairs to urgently launch an investigation in the handling and welfare of farm workers on all farms where there has been transition from one owner to the other. The core ministers of the home affairs ministry Kembo Mohadi and Giles Mutsekwa should discourage the police from assuming partisan roles and stick to ethical and professional standards when handling cases that are politically motivated and involving the eviction of vulnerable farm workers.

In the understanding what the national healing seeks to achieve, it is our view that the ongoing victimization of farm workers is an anathema to finding a lasting peace among communities that are still smarting from the painful legacy of March-June 2008. The three political parties under the coalition government should therefore take heed of the agreements they made under the Global Political Agreement, that is, to guarantee the rule of law, respect for human rights and establishing a conducive environment that allows a democratic society to thrive – where people freely expressing their views, associate and engage in political activities without fear of persecution.

The coalition government should also make genuine efforts to dismantle the infrastructure of organized violence which is still in tack throughout rural Zimbabwe’s ten provinces. It is our considered view that people will not open up to an independent constitution making process and to the national healing exercise under the prevailing politically charged environment, given the violence that characterised last year’s  bloody election in which more than 200 people were killed. The Inclusive Government has a duty to and can STOP the suffering and lawlessness.

Last Updated on Saturday, 03 October 2009 11:52
 

‘Heal the Wounds’ – Evaluation and Monitoring Report

Thursday, 01 October 2009 20:40 administrator
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Project Name: National healing programme - Heal the wounds
Distributed items- Clothes and Blankets 
Venue: Chinanga Village, Ward 32 Bikita West Constituency
Programme Date: Friday 18 September 2009 

Introduction
Following the execution of ROHR Zimbabwe’s much awaited and anticipated national healing programme dubbed Heal the Wounds where clothes, and blankets among other things were distributed to victims of politically motivated violence, ROHR Zimbabwe went on to do a practical evaluation and monitoring programme aimed at ascertaining the impact of this programme. The main sources of information were the beneficiaries, community members, community leaders, and other stakeholders who were presented with the situation and videos of what transpired there. The programme was mainly aimed at consolidating victims of political violence by giving them clothes and blankets to cover up since the ones they used to have were confiscated and or burnt down before, during and after the bloody, shame and one man elections of June 2008. There were 48 beneficiaries, three (elderly) of whom received blankets while the remainder received clothing items (children). The main driving force behind the programme was to set an example of what constitutes a desirable national healing programme which the state should adopt in order to achieve total and complete national healing, reconciliation and integration in Zimbabwe. The programme was attended by members of the immediate community, ward 32, and ward 11 members who made part of the beneficiaries and the councillors of the 2 wards. 

Objectives of the project
·         Facilitating the provision of relevant support services to victims of human rights violations.
§         Setting an example of how National healing should be done.
§         Material support for victims of and beyond the 27 June 2008 political violence.
·         Taking ROHR Zimbabwe’s activities to the grassroots.
·         Consolidating ROHR Zimbabwe’s programmes to be centred on improving peoples lives. 

Positives
The programme was well received, and many people expressed satisfaction at the way the programme was executed since it was open to everyone. The clothes were distributed in full view of the entire two wards and in the presence of the respective councillors and the ROHR Zimbabwe team. The involvement of the constituency Member of Parliament Honourable Heya Shoko in the planning and execution of the programme brought the MP to the people and the people managed to express themselves to him and he also got to know better about ROHR Zimbabwe and its activities. The members of the beneficiary communities also got to know better about ROHR Zimbabwe and this has helped many to raise expectations of people higher especially in relation to programmes like these. The programme also helped many to speak out on people who victimised them during the period preceding the 27 June 2008 elections. The people are now narrating their ordeal at the hands of the ZANU PF people who are also members of the same communities. The people identified the perpetrators and chief among them is losing ZANU PF councillor candidate, Chief of that area and local businessman. Some of these victims include Ms. Helen Mazhara, Ms. Christina Madzvamuse, Kimon Marecha, and Crispen Muchemwa. People are generally opening up and breaking the silence on how they want the national healing exercise to be addressed. It also managed to fill a vacuum since all humanitarian organisations are concerned with helping with food items and the coming of ROHR Zimbabwe into avenues like these has improved their lives. 

Shortcomings
The available clothing items were a far cry from the number of victims in these two wards. There are many victims in many communities who had their own belongings confiscated and others had theirs burnt down. The items were thus very limited and only 48 people benefited at the expense of thousands who fell victim to the abuse. Furthermore, the fast-track nature of how the programme was arranged and executed left many people who would have came to attend the event. It would have made greater impact if many people beyond the two wards had attended to witness as they would have benefited from the speeches and deliberations made at the handover ceremony. The victims also received a single item each owing to the limited number of the available items, and the expectation had been that each one was going to receive a complete set e.g. top and bottom. 

Recommendations

  • That the programme be established in every district of the province
  • That more material resource is sourced to cater for large numbers of victims.
  • That resources of this nature be mobilised for donations at Christmas holiday.
  • That the national healing and reconciliation exercise be built on the foundation of truth, justice and compensation.
  • That there be adequate time for preparations to attract large crowds to witness these events.
  • That victims be provided for with complete sets of items.
  • That health and medical assistance be extended to these communities as there are some with fresh wounds from the victimisation.
 Acknowledgements

ROHR Zimbabwe would like to extend, on behalf of the beneficiaries, the immediate families and communities, the Councillors and Member of Parliament for the area, its heartfelt thanks to the persons who made this commitment and dream to become a reality. Particular reference goes to Martha Angelina Magwaza and her Chelmsford branch for the donation of the clothing items. The items went far in improving peoples lives in Chinanga village. All the ROHR Zimbabwe family both in and out of Zimbabwe are being encouraged to make all efforts they possibly can to broaden the programme into a Heal the Wounds Project. This would improve the lives of many Zimbabweans who fell victim to ZANU PF brutality and would re engage them to continue fighting for justice and respect of human rights until this dream has been realised.

 Innocent Madhuku (Programmes and Networking Officer) 
Last Updated on Thursday, 01 October 2009 20:46
 

Two reports on ROHR Masvingo Province (Bikita West) Clothes Distribution Programme 18th September 2009

Sunday, 27 September 2009 19:04 administrator
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 REPORT 1 

Venue – Chinanga Village, Ward 32. Bikita West Constituency. Masvingo
No of Beneficiaries – 48 

Introduction
The Chinanga village, Masvingo clothes distribution exercise was the first of its kind in the operations of ROHR Zimbabwe aimed at the achievement of the undersigned objectives. The items were donated by ROHR Zimbabwe Chemelsford Branch, UK. The driving force behind the programme was aimed at setting an example of what constitutes a good and desirable national healing programme we want as the people of Zimbabwe. We believe in a process which begins with truth, justice then reconciliation. As ROHR Zimbabwe, we believe that the political victims should be compensated without fail, the perpetrators be brought to book and then reconciliation follow. We do not and will never accept the proposed government process (forgive and forget) which entails leaving important aspects of the process like arresting the perpetrators and compensating the victims. 

The beneficiaries were drawn from two wards, ward 32 under Councillor Zondai Chinanga, and ward 11 under Councillor Rukweza both of MDC-T. Both councillors were in attendance. The Member of Parliament of the constituency is Hon. Heya Shoko of MDC-T. Other members who made the delegation include Mr. Ray Muzenda the ROHR Zimbabwe National Chairman, Clifford Hlatywayo the Programmes Director, Mr Timothy Ndongwe Provincial Vice Chairperson, Mr Murambatsvina Provincial Organising Secretary, Charles Magombedze the acting Bikita ROHR Zimbabwe Chairman, Mr. Cassiano Rukomwe the Masvingo Province Field officer. 

Aims and Objectives of the Programme
§         Setting an example of how National healing should be done
§         Material support for victims of and beyond the 27 June 2008 political violence.
·         Taking ROHR Zimbabwe’s activities to the grassroots.
·         Consolidating ROHR Zimbabwe’s programmes to be centred on improving peoples lives.
·         Facilitating the provision of relevant support services to victims of human rights violations. 

The Beneficiaries
Mollen Tavengwa, Samson Madhande, Musengi Jokoniya, Clifford Marozva, John Urawa, Beula Garobhe, Maturunane, Gladys Jaricha, Mirriam Mananga, Esnath Mujore, Rosania Njarava, Madhuhu Theresa, Murema Evelyn, Machiya Nyengeterai, Zvahumbira Nyaradzo, Amber Mamei, Shumbu Vaida, Musengi Modesta, Chidhakwa Alice, Foroma Energy, Mwanza Anna, Pakini Charity, Chipengura Cecilia, Muza Mavis, Kuhava Judith, Marozva Paida, Tumbure Laiza, Mapanga Tinotenda, Moyo Veronica, Bvuka Chara, Muza Lovemore, Masawi Ropafadzo, Bhuka Esther, Chari Emma, Mapurisa Ndowenyu, Chari Eustina, Chibaya Loice, Chinanga Dorothy, Moyo Laiza, Munahi Brian, Nomwedzo Ben, Tanda Ndivindivi, Zvirinani Teererai, Chinyanga Faith, Chipare Davison, Muchafa Semai, Mudanhi Judith and Shangwa Dorren 

Resolutions from deliberations
·         That programmes like these be increased as they help bring ROHR Zimbabwe to the people and popularise its mission and objectives.
·         That more clothes and other support services be sourced as there are many victims who need assistance.
·         Since there are victims with fresh wounds from the 27 June violent campaign, the National Chairman pledged on behalf of ROHR Zimbabwe that we are going to help them for medication. 

Achievements
·         The clothing items were distributed to the victims of politically motivated violence.
·         People in Bikita West got to know ROHR Zimbabwe physically and better. 

Challenges
·         The items were limited. The number of the affected and needy surpassed the available items.
·         Transport problems to the intended destination as a result of limited financial resources 

Recommendations
·         Programmes of this type be increased
·         More clothes be sourced to cater for more victims

Overall rating: Very successful

CEO’s Remarks
So many people suffered losses in the last ten years as a result of political violence orchestrated by ZANU PF. Thus, Zimbabweans are traumatised to such an extent that if an election is called today and the victims have not been attended to they cannot stand the pressure of intimidation. It is our responsibility to strengthen them; to heal them of this trauma they are currently going through. This gesture is small but it goes a long way in setting the path and pace towards genuine national healing which subsequently leads to the democratisation of this country. It is therefore important that we systematically identify the victims of political violence and help them before any election is done in the country. 

Conclusion
There are quite a number of opportunities and activities that ROHR Zimbabwe can exploit and undertake which will lead to its recognition in society for improving people’s lives. This exercise is one such activity and judging from the feelings of the beneficiaries it was a resounding success. The Chief Executive Officer Mr Tichanzii Gandanga extends gratitude to Martha Angeline Magwaza and her branch on behalf of ROHR Zimbabwe for the items they donated, as they have made a great impact to the beneficiaries and for the organisation as a whole. He would also like to extend special thanks to Rodah Kuhlengisa of ROHR Zimbabwe Hayes branch for the donation of office equipment and video camera that was used to capture the proceedings and photos on this occasion. Such donations are critical for programmes like these and it remains our desire that each province be adequately equipped. ROHR Zimbabwe stands a greater chance of growing bigger and known throughout all corners of Zimbabwe if programmes like these continue to be done.  Mr. Gandanga is thus appealing to all well wishers to make donations so that this programme can be taken to other constituencies facing similar situations. 

Prepared by: Programmes and Networking Department.   

REPORT 2 

Villagers of Wards 11 and 32 of Bikita West constituency gathered on Friday around 1300hrs at Muti munyoro to receive a donation of clothes from a ROHR Zimbabwe team led by the National Chairman Ray Muzenda. The handover ceremony was attended by ward 11 Councillor Mr. Rukweza and ward 32 Councillor Mr. Zondai Chinanga. 

Councillor Chinanga hailed the people of his ward for remaining resolute despite the suffering they went through during the March-June 2008 bloody election violence. He described the violence that characterised ward 32 as ‘bloody.’ 

Vulnerable women and children were the worst affected as more often than not they were subjected to severe beatings as punishment when the intended targets were not found at home. Children missed school as they resorted to sleeping in the bushes in fear of their lives. 

Mrs Evelyn Murerwa, Nyengetedzai Machiya, Eustina and Anna Chari, Gladys Tavengwa and Evelyn Maware were identified by the villagers present at the handover ceremony as some of the worst affected victims with threatening wounds that require urgent attention. The National Chairman for ROHR Zimbabwe, Ray Muzenda pledged medical assistance for all the villagers who sustained injuries from the organised violence of last year’s elections. Those needing assistance were told to report to the ROHR Zimbabwe Masvingo Office, number 7 Robin House. 

From the interviews that were carried out by ROHR Zimbabwe from the same occasion it emerged that most of the crimes of violence were committed by known people who reside in the same village. The most featuring on the list of the people who promoted acts of violence were Chief Marozva, and businessman and ZANU PF losing Councillor Candidate for ward 32, Mvuto.  

Councillor Chinanga expressed gratitude to Martha Angelina Magwaza of ROHR UK Chelmsford branch for the donation of clothes and remembering the plight of the victims of politically organised violence. 

Following an outburst by Mrs Eustina Chari who was brutally assaulted by ZANU PF supporters, that the national healing will never be achieved, it emerged that, before people can make constructive contribution to National Healing it is a pre-requisite to embark on education awareness campaigns on the available approaches to transitional justice which include restorative and retributive justice.  

Societies emerging from a past painful legacy like Zimbabwe can try a number of transitional justice options hinged on the rule of law from which to reconcile people and communities to prevent future abuses of human rights. People need to be taught on the various transitional justice methods which include Criminal prosecutions, Truth commissions, Reparations and Institutional reforms. 

ROHR Zimbabwe Masvingo Provincial Vice Chairperson, Mr. Timothy Ndongwe encouraged the villagers to remain law abiding citizens and refrain from taking revenge as that would induce them to the same levels of their assailants. He emphasised that although he too was a victim of political violence, it was foolish to seek justice outside the confines of the law.  

Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe is a radical grassroots based organisation working towards promoting a culture of human rights through community mobilisation, capacity building and active responses to human rights challenges in Zimbabwe. As an organisation we believe in the incredible power of the community as a structure unit for people to defend, protect and champion their fundamental human rights and responding to issues that affect their daily lives. 

Being aware of the role that was played by the jobless youths in acting as instruments of violence under the auspices of politicians, as an organisation we acknowledge the central role that the youths have to play in transforming the nation from a culture of widespread human rights abuses towards a democratic society that embraces differences in political activities and engagements at the same time upholding fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed under international law. 

ROHR Zimbabwe is currently holding Leadership Development and Capacity Building Workshops in the country’s ten provinces creating networks with communities, like minded organisations and individuals in the fight for human rights. Other projects underway include the Demand for Justice and Truth Campaign which is advocating for a holistic victim centred National Healing Process that captures three broad steps TRUTH, JUSTICE and COMPENSATION. 

NB Videos clips of the interviews with victims of political violence from ward 11 and 32 are available upon request. 

From the information Department of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe 

Last Updated on Sunday, 27 September 2009 19:11
 
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