ZHRC Condemns Political Violence

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has condemned political violence in the country following the violent activities that occurred during Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) rally in Kwekwe on 27 February where one man died while others were severely injured.

The late Mboneni Ncube (35) was stabbed with a spear by allegedly ZANU PF thugs during the rally while the party leader Nelson Chamisa was addressing his supporters.

In a statement, ZHRC said all political parties should embrace peaceful campaigns that the constitution guarantees and uphold human rights accordingly.

“As the country prepares for the by-elections to be held on the 26′ of March 2022, the ZHRC has noted with great concern the recent reports of violent clashes at rallies and calls upon all political parties and relevant stakeholders to shun all forms of politically motivated violence. Section 67 (2) (b) of the Constitution guarantees the right to campaign freely and peacefully for a political party or cause of own choice and therefore the Commission strongly condemns all political violence as it is a violation of political rights and freedoms.

“In addition to causing loss of life, political violence invariably results in bodily injury or harm, destruction of property and erosion of the culture and principles of democracy. The Commission therefore unreservedly condemns these incidents of politically motivated violence and calls on all political parties involved in the electoral process to show restraint and refrain from provocative conduct or incitement of supporters to commit acts of violence.

“It is common cause that anyone who commits, orders, incites, encourages, or contributes in any way to the commission of violent crime is complicit in the violence and such persons should be held accountable for their conduct, ZHRC said.

The Commission added that every individual has a right to participate freely in any  political party of their choice.

“Article 25 (b) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantees the right to vote and to be elected at genuine periodic elections, which should be by universal and equal suffrage, held by secret ballot and guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electors.

“The ability to participate in public life personally or through freely chosen representatives is the hallmark of democracy,” ZHRC said.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was urged to enforce the law without fear or favour.

“The Commission urges the law enforcement officials to impartially enforce the law without fear or favour so that all political parties freely hold their election campaigns and rallies without unjustified stringent measures or requirements,” statement read.

The 11 suspects arrested who allegedly initiated the violence in Kwekwe and killed Mboneni Ncube were released by the police without any reason.

The mandate of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) is to promote, protect and enforce human rights, fundamental freedoms, and administrative justice in Zimbabwe.