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Reforms body postpones consultations

http://www.zimonline.co.za

by Sebastian Nyamhangambiri Monday 18 January 2010

HARARE - Zimbabwe's constitutional committee has postponed public
consultations on the proposed new constitution to allow an audit of members
to ensure that only accredited members will be deployed to record the views
of citizens on the new charter, a top official told ZimOnline on Sunday.

"We discovered that some people had fraudulently been accredited and trained
as part of the outreach team," Douglas Mwonzora, one of the three chairmen
of the Constitutional Parliamentary Committee (COPAC) driving the reforms
said.

"This was unearthed when they were claiming payments and their names could
not be found. As a result we now want to carry out an audit of what happened
and have a clean list. This shows how COPAC is efficient since they didn't
access funds."

Postponement of the exercise to gather the views of citizens on the new
constitution is likely to further delay the reforms that have already missed
several targets.

Mwonzora who is a member of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC party,
said COPAC's management committee - composed of all GPA negotiators and
COPAC co-chairmen - would meet on Wednesday to chart the way forward.

"The management committee of COPAC will meet on Wednesday to plan the way
forward. We'll try to ensure that the outreach is balanced in terms of
gender, language and political affiliation. Management will give us the
calendar of Parliament since all MPs are in the outreach programme," he
said.

Constitution Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga confirmed the postponement of
the deployment of the outreach teams which was supposed to have been done
last week.

"Of course they will be a further slight delay, but it's to ensure that the
process of gathering people's views is transparent and is composed of
genuine people and not pretenders. In any case the delay will just be a week
or so," Matinenga said.

The proposed new constitution is part of the requirements of a September
2008 power-sharing deal between President Robert Mugabe, Tsvangirai and
Deputy Premier Arthur Mutambara that gave birth to the Harare coalition
government last February.

The new governance charter will pave way for free elections although there
is no legal requirement for the unity government to call new polls
immediately after a new constitution is in place.

Zimbabweans hope a new constitution will guarantee human rights, strengthen
the role of Parliament and curtail the president's powers, as well as
guaranteeing civil, political and media freedoms.
The new constitution will replace the current Lancaster House Constitution
written in 1979 before independence from Britain. The charter has been
amended 19 times since independence in 1980. Critics say the majority of the
amendments have been to further entrench Mugabe and ZANU PF's hold on
ower.  - ZimOnline


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Zim faces hunger as crops wilt

http://www.zimonline.co.za

by Own Correspondent Monday 18 January 2010

HARARE -The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) says Zimbabwe is
staring hunger this year, warning that crops in the southern half of the
country are already wilting due to moisture stress.

It said below-average precipitation and high temperatures experienced during
the past three weeks were expected to result in crop failures in areas such
as Masvingo, Gwanda, Bulawayo and part of Manicaland.

The soil water index for the affected areas is less than 10 percent.

"Since December, below-average precipitation and above-average temperatures
continue to help strengthen seasonal moisture deficits across central
Mozambique, southern Malawi, southern Madagascar and southern Zimbabwe,"
FEWSNET said in its latest update on food security in the southern African
nation.

The crop situation in other parts of Zimbabwe was equally bad, with only
small parts of the main food-producing Mashonaland provinces having received
sufficient rains since the farming season started last October.

The US-funded FEWSNET has revised upwards the number of Zimbabweans
requiring food assistance during the lean hunger season beginning this month
amid fears donors may also encounter a serious cereal shortfall until March
2010

It said close to 2.2 million people or 18 percent of the population would be
food insecure in Zimbabwe between January and March 2010, up from an
estimated 1.7 million Zimbabweans who were said to be in need of aid between
October and December.

This is higher than the previous projection of 1.9 million who were
estimated to require emergency food assistance between January and Zimbabwe's
next harvest around March or April.

FEWSNET said the United Nations' World Food Programme planned to scale up
its food assistance activities from January to cover the food insecure
population.

WFP was however projecting a major shortfall of more than 40 000 metric
tonnes of cereals between December 2009 and March.

The UN agency announced last month that it faced a US$50 million funding gap
for its Zimbabwe operation until the end of the year that could see the
United Nations agency failing to feed the people who require food aid.

The food pipeline shows a shortfall of nearly 35 000 metric tonnes, with
shortages of pulses and cereals experienced in November and December.

The total WFP food requirement from October until the end of the operation
in March 2010 is approximately 138 000 metric tonnes for all commodities.

To ease the food shortfall, WFP and non-governmental organisation Concern
Worldwide have started a pilot project that provides cash or a combination
of cash and food to Zimbabwean beneficiaries.


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Talks thrown into disarray as Zanu-PF snub GPA negotiations

http://www.zimnetradio.com

By SINIKIWE MPALA

Published on: 17th January, 2010

HARARE - Negotiations to iron out outstanding issues to the GPA failed to
take off after Zanu-PF co-negotiator Nicholas Goche failed to attend the
meeting. MDC co-negotiator Mr Elton Mangoma confirmed the negotiators'
failure to resume their discussions.

"We failed to meet today (yesterday) after Goche failed to attend the
meeting. I don't know as to when we are going to resume the dialogue," said
Mr Mangoma.

Goche could not be contacted for comment late last night. The negotiations
called by the Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security meeting in Maputo
last year were adjourned in December after considerable progress had been
reported.

Principals to the GPA - President Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai
and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara - agreed on the membership of the
Zimbabwe Media Council, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and Zimbabwe
Electoral Commission.

However, Zanu-PF and the MDC are at loggerheads over the appointment of
Reserve Bank GovernorGideon Gono and Attorney General Mr Johannes Tomana.
Zanu-PF has called the MDC to add itsvoice against illegal sanctions imposed
by the West, external interference in Zimbabwe's affairs and the disbanding
of pirate radio stations operating from Botswana and Madagascar.

MDC is calling for swearing in of its agriculture deputy minister-designate
Roy Bennett but Zanu-PF insists he has to be cleared of criminal charges he
is facing in the High Court.

Zanu-PF also maintains that Dr Gono and Mr Tomana's appointments were above
board and were made when the MDC-T was vacillating before joining
Government.

Meanwhile, SOUTH African President Jacob Zuma has urged MDC-T Mr Morgan
Tsvangirai to be flexible in his demands for full implementation of the
Global Political Agreement while negotiations failed to resume yesterday
because one negotiator was unable to attend.

The discussions were adjourned last year as negotiators from Zanu-PF and the
two MDC formations were reporting back and consulting their parties.

In an interview with a South African radio station on Friday last week,
President Zuma said some of the issues being demanded by the MDC were
"trivial".

The Sadc-appointed facilitator said such issues should not be allowed to
hinder the business of the inclusive Government.

"Are these issues (Gono and Tomana) so fundamental that we cannot move
without resolving them? Can we park them and proceed!"

President Zuma, however, said he was positive and hopeful that Zimbabwe's
three parties in the inclusive Government would bridge their differences
through the ongoing negotiations.

"I'm sure the Zimbabweans have to open up and look at the issues from all
angles," he said.


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SA takes up farmers’ issues

http://www.businessday.co.za/

ERNEST MABUZA
Published: 2010/01/18 06:49:50 AM

SA SAID yesterday that it had made formal contact with the Zimbabwean
government on issues raised by its citizens in Zimbabwe.

A number of South African farmers have been forced out of their farms by
invaders, with the latest incident on December 24. This is despite a 2008
ruling by a tribunal established under the Southern African Development
Community that the occupation of farms by land grabbers was illegal.

The tribunal also ordered the Zimbabwean government to protect commercial
farmers and their workers and allow them to continue farming their land. But
the Zimbabwean government has continuously flouted the tribunal’s judgment.

Civil rights group AfriForum has applied to the North Gauteng High Court to
order Zimbabwe’s government to honour the ruling. The matter will be heard
next month.

The group said yesterday it was pleased the South African government had
officially objected to the invasion of South Africans’ farms.

mabuzae@bdfm.co.za


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National consultation process launched

http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?p=26641

January 18, 2010

By Our Correspondent

HARARE - Zimbabwe this weekend launched a nationwide consultation process to
solicit public opinion on the new draft constitution which will pave the way
for elections next year. Almost 600 people headed out to spend 65 days in
the 10 provinces while gathering public opinion on the new constitution. But
the more than three million Zimbabweans living outside the country in exile
in the Diaspora will be consulted.

Zimbabweans have approved the writing of a new Constitution, in the hope
that a new charter, replacing one in 1979 before independence from Britain,
will strengthen the role of Parliament and curtail the president's powers,
as well as guaranteeing civil, political and media freedoms.

The views solicited during the 65-day consultation period will form the
basis for the new Constitution.

This crucial process is expected to lead to the adoption of a new national
Constitution and fresh elections next year.

Observers say the public consultation was a monumental step forward and a
necessary milestone in the writing of the new constitution.

Teams will be working throughout the country to inform and consult the
public. Few, though, underestimate the challenge ahead.

There is already concern about possible intimidation, and whether people
will feel free enough to express their views.

An all-stakeholder constitutional conference last year degenerated into
chaos following clashes between rival political parties MDC and Zanu (PF),
which were broken up by the riot police and which underscored simmering
tensions within the unity government which President Mugabe formed with
arch-rival Morgan Tsvangirai in February last year.

Out in the provinces, local and regional chiefs remain powerful figures and
have been campaigning for the so-called Kariba Draft which Zanu-PF wanted to
be used as the basis for writing a new Constitution. This has been abandoned
and now the public consultation teams will not use any draft document as a
template, but a document of issues in the form of a questionnaire.

Despite fears of hazards ahead, the need for constitutional reform has long
been recognised by all sides. President Mugabe's Zanu-PF raised the matter
at its congress last month, but said in its resolutions "an acceptable
outcome would be a Constitution made by Zimbabweans for Zimbabwe, which
entrenches the ethos and gains of the liberation struggle and is not the
product of any external interference."

But critics of the government have been the most enthusiastic in their
demands for constitutional reform.

A broad alliance of opposition parties, church groups, trades unions and
civic organisations, the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) which has
highlighted what they believe to be the shortcomings of the amended
Lancaster House constitution, point to the fact that the 19 constitutional
amendments passed since 1980 have had the effect of concentrating power in
the hands of the President.

A leading NCA figure, Lovemore Madhuku, has denounced the ongoing process
which is being spearheaded by the transitional government. He says the
process will be abused by politicians because it is not people-driven and
gives parliamentarians too much power. The NCA demands an independent
commission to spearhead the process. This has been rejected outright, with
parliamentarians insisting they are the proper representatives of the people
as they were elected into office by the people.

There is also concern over the use of the US$42 million budgeted for the
process, most of it from donors. There has been fierce jostling to get into
the outreach teams amid reports people engaged in the exercise will be paid
US$70 a day.

Government officials and the international community have emphasised the
importance of this new Constitution for the unity and stability in Zimbabwe.

Paul Mangwana of Zanu-PF, a co-chair of Parliament's Select Committee
spearheading the process said: "From the moment we have accepted the call of
duty, we should unite, be united by the single cause of ensuring that the
people write their new democratic constitution."

 


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Zimbabwe Union Leaders Sue Police Commissioner

http://www.radiovop.com/

Harare, January 17, 2010 - Zimbabwe police chief Augustine Chihuri faces a
US$5 million lawsuit from five trade union officials who are claiming
damages for unlawful arrest and detention.

The five Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) leaders, president,
Lovemore Matombo, and other union leaders Percival Mcijo, Michael Kandukutu,
Nawu Ndlovu and Dumisani Ncube were arrested last November in Victoria Falls
for allegedly failing to comply with a provision in the Public Order and
Security Act (POSA. The section requires one to notify the police about an
intended public meeting.

The trade unionists have written a notice of intention to sue through their
lawyer, Zvikomborero Chadambuka of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).

They were freed after magistrate Richard Ramaboea refused to place them on
remand when they were brought to court after spending five days in police
cells.

In the notice of intention to sue, the five's lawyer Chadambuka, said that
they were subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment in police cells.

Each of the five unionists is claiming a total of US$1.1 million in damages,
to be paid within two months from this month failing which the human rights
lawyer will issue summons against Commissioner-General Chihuri.

They are each claiming US$500 000 for unlawful arrest and detention, US$500
000 for wrongful detention in conditions that amount to inhumane and
degrading treatment and US$100 000 for the affront of the unionists' dignity
and violations of privacy.

The ZCTU, itself is demanding US$675 for accommodation expenses for four
unionists who were booked at a Victoria Falls hotel, the hire of the City
Hall from Bulawayo City Council and hire of a hall in Victoria Falls which
was all lost due to the unlawful arrest and detention.

This is not the first time that the police chief has been forced to face
payback time. Last year abductees who spent more than three months in
illegal detention launched lawsuits in the High Court seeking damages for
the unlawful detention.


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World Diamond Council calls for increased efforts by Kimberley Process participants to achieve full compliance in Zimbabwe

From WDC (UK), 17 January

For more than a year, the World Diamond Council has voiced its concerns
regarding allegations of human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and significant
examples of irregularities concerning Kimberley Process compliance.
Following agreement of the Working Plan, in November 2009, the World Diamond
Council said the world would be watching closely and cautioned the Kimberley
Process and the Zimbabwe Government not to squander this opportunity. To
date, it would appear that some progress has been made. Whilst we welcome
this, we continue to regard these efforts as ongoing and call for both the
Zimbabwe Government and the Kimberley Process to increase their efforts to
show demonstrable progress.

In November 2009, the Zimbabwean authorities agreed with other member states
of the Kimberley Process to implement a detailed Working Plan to bring
Zimbabwe into full compliance and to bring an end to human rights abuses
around diamond diggings in the Marange region. A key feature of the Working
Plan is the placement of a Special Monitor, appointed by the Kimberley
Process and mandated to oversee the export of rough diamonds from the
Marange region. Exports from this region have been suspended since November
and will not resume until the Monitor is appointed and in place. The WDC
reaffirms its guidance to industry members to exercise extreme caution when
buying rough diamonds on the market to ensure that, for the time being, they
do not originate from Marange. Issues requiring urgent attention include: An
end to the apparent delay in appointing a credible, independent Monitor to
oversee exports from the Marange region; Demonstration that efforts to end
human rights abuses have been successful, by assuring the safety and
security of local communities, and ensuring that those responsible for
abuses will be brought to justice; Demonstrate action being taken to combat
corruption and smuggling in the Marange region.

Should the Zimbabwe authorities fail to take advantage of the opportunity
the Working Plan presents, the World Diamond Council will call for the
immediate suspension of Zimbabwe from the Kimberley Process. The WDC also
call upon all participating Governments to adopt the proposal, forwarded by
civil society, and supported by the diamond industry, to include wording
related to human rights, in and around diamond mining activity, as part of
the minimum requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
Finally, an effective and credible Kimberley Process is in the interests of
everyone, from mining communities to the consumer. The WDC, therefore, calls
on Government participants of the Kimberley Process to increase their
efforts in enforcing its systems and standards, thus ensuring that all
diamonds are lawfully mined, documented and exported.
 


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MDC dismisses probe

From MDC, 15 January

The MDC wishes to clarify the report in The Zimbabwe Independent today about
three of our ministers being probed on corruption. The report is not only
false but defamatory of our ministers. What is correct is that the MDC
through a committee headed by the party's deputy secretary-general, Hon.
Tapiwa Mashakada is carrying out investigations mainly targeting illicit
deals in local government. These investigations have so far been carried out
in Chitungwiza and Bindura. Internally, we have taken action and if the
alleged probe on the ministers was taking place, we would have immediately
gone public. We have nothing to hide. Although the party's crusade against
corruption is in full swing and unstoppable, the party would like to
reassure the nation that if there are any investigations of this nature, we
will be the first to let the people know. The mentioned officials: Energy
and Power Development minister and national organizing secretary, Hon. Elias
Mudzuri, co-Home Affairs Minister, Hon. Giles Mutsekwa, and Mines deputy
minister, Hon. Murisi Zwizwai are not being investigated by the party for
any corrupt activities. In fact the ministers are living examples of
hardworking public officers. We reiterate that we shall never hesitate to
weed out any form of corruption in the MDC, but we will do that in a
transparent manner. Further allegations pertaining to the succession issue
as published by The Zimbabwe Independent, are falsehoods as MDC has clear
succession programme. MDC leaders come and go through proper constitutional
procedures and the issues relating to terms of office are clearly understood
by our family of democrats. The succession issue is an endemic issue in Zanu
PF and nowhere else, least in the MDC. Although the MDC supports a free and
independent media, we would like at the same time to urge journalists to be
factual in their reporting. We respect and feel that journalists have to
report the truth. We say zero tolerance and zero tolerance to corruption.
The Zimbabwe Independent should have had the courage to refrain from relying
on unnamed, ghost and fictitious source for its news.

 


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‘UZ hostels to remain closed’

http://www.herald.co.zw

Monday, January 18, 2010

Herald Reporter

UNIVERSITY of Zimbabwe students are faced with yet another difficulty in
getting decent accommodation after authorities shelved plans to reopen
hostels at the start of the 2010 academic year.

Halls of residence were closed in 2006 owing to a number of problems
including water shortages that hit the college.

The UZ is set to open next Monday, but the notice was only released a few
days before student registration that starts today.

UZ director for information and publicity Mrs Ruby Magosvongwe said the
hostels would not be opened in time to accommodate students this semester.

"We regret to announce that due to circumstances beyond its control, the
University of Zimbabwe has been forced to postpone taking students into
halls of residence at the beginning of the semester as originally envisaged.

"Since 2008, UZ has been aggressively working on repairing kitchens but it
has proved difficult to complete the repairs in time for the new academic
year.

"Consequently, UZ cannot admit students in halls of residence immediately,"
she said.

She said while students were the institute’s major stakeholders, authorities
could not compromise their welfare when there are other pertinent issues to
be addressed.

Investigations by the Herald showed that the refurbishment of the university’s
kitchens was delayed due to flawed tender procedures.

A worker at the university blamed the latest developments on bureaucratic
tendencies by the tender board resulting in unwarranted suffering by
students.

"The whole problem lies with the tender board which is taking too long to
award tenders for the kitchens to be repaired.

"There is actually a lot of bureaucratic procedure in the tender board which
is ultimately impacting on the welfare of our students," the worker said.

A returning student at UZ, Gamuchirai Madamombe said university authorities
were compromising the students’ future.

He said the accommodation problems in Harare made it imperative that the
university give them accommodation while they look for other ways to get
food.

"Food is not a big problem to us, they should just provide us with
accommodation and we will find ways of getting food," said the student.

The UZ closed its halls of residence after water shortages hit the campus.

The water situation has since been addressed but hostels remain closed.

The situation has forced students to seek alternative accommodation on
private residential properties.

The landlords have however, been accused of taking advantage of the
desperate students by charging exorbitant rentals.

Last year, about 90 UZ students were living in squalid conditions at a house
in Mt Pleasant.

More than 100 students were accommodated at a church in the same suburb
while 56 others share a house in Mendel Street in Avondale.

The opening of the residence halls was largely expected to ease
accommodation problems for students who have no access to decent
accommodation in Harare.

Students who stay in other suburbs have to fork out at US$2 a day for
transport to and from the university.


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Calling Zimbabweans in New York

Is there a Zimbabwean in New York prepared to comment on the film "Mugabe and the White African"?
 
Port Jefferson Documentaries  would like to hear from you.
 
Please contact Lyn at  bollyn1@aol.com
 
Here are the details:
 
 
To learn more about the film, see
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxz03dyZj40
 
-------------------------
 
Film gives white Zimbabwean farmer hope in struggle against Mugabe

http://www.telegraph.co.uk
 
A white Zimbabwean farming family, who were forced out off their land, have had a first taste of revenge against Robert Mugabe's regime after a documentary on their plight emerged as an Oscar contender.
 
 

Mugabe and the White African opens in London this week after being named best documentary at the British Independent Film Awards in December.

The movie, directed by Andrew Thompson and Lucy Bailey, is being likened to non-fiction films that achieved global success, such as Super Size Me, Fahrenheit 9/11 and Touching the Void.

It tells how Mike Campbell, his wife Angela, daughter Laura, son- in-law Ben Freeth and their black Zimbabwean workers battled to keep hold of Mount Carmel, the mango farm 70 miles south-west of Harare where his family had lived for 30 years, in the face of beatings by militia gangs loyal to Mr Mugabe.

The family lost a long battle to hold on to the farm last year despite winning an unprecedented court case against the Zimbabwean government.

The Campbells and Freeths were burned out of their homes in August and Mount Carmel Farm was occupied by Nathan Shamuyarira, an octogenarian former cabinet minister and President Mugabe's offical biographer.

Mr Freeth, his wife and their three children now live in a friend's house about 10 miles away in the town of Chegutu while Mr and Mrs Campbell live in the capital Harare.

Months earlier Mr Campbell, 76, was subjected to a horrenous beating after he petition a tribunal of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) rule against Mr Mugabe's efforts to seize white owned farms. After a nine-hour ordeal at a militia camp, Mr Campbell was so badly injured that he could not attend the hearing in Namibia; Mr Freeth, whose skull was fractured, managed to be present in a wheelchair with his head bandaged.

"We knew there would be consequences, taking on Mugabe," Mr Freeth said. "He's a dictator, he doesn't brook any opposition or anyone trying to bring him to book in any way. But we felt it was very, very important to ensure the world really knew what was going on in this country, so it had a chance to put an end to the suffering."

Mr Mugabe once declared: "The white man is not indigenous to Africa. Africa is for Africans. Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans."

But the tribunal's ruling in Mr Campbell's favour was an unprecedented reverse for this doctrine - effectively determining that Mr Campbell and others like him had the same rights as Zimbabwe's majority black African population.

However in February last year, President Mugabe declared that he would ignore the SADC ruling and the forcible seizures would continue.

Mike Campbell, 76, hopes it will force the international spotlight back on the campaign of violent, state-sponsored farm evictions which has continued under Mr Mugabe even though he was forced to form a new power-sharing government.


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Murderers and torturers appointed to Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Outreach Programme

 

Posted by ZDN on January 15, 2010

 

The Inclusive Government in Zimbabwe has started its Constitutional Consultative Programme (CCP), as outlined in the terms of the GPA. No doubt, this fact was proudly presented at the Maputo meeting of the SADC Troika on Security, which met yesterday and pronounced the GPA alive and well and is, according to Jacob Zuma, “Making good progress”.

 

However, the SADC Troika undoubtedly had not been told that most of the Zanu-PF appointees to the CCP outreach teams are no more than a bunch of political terrorists.

 

The list below indicates the crimes of violence and torture perpetrated by Zanu-PF members and officials who have been assigned to teams on the Constitutional outreach programme. They have committed state sponsored and sanctioned crimes against anyone perceived to be in opposition to Zanu-PF over a number of years. Now they are tasked with this important and supposedly impartial, outreach work?

 

We maintain that Zanu-PF’s participation in the Inclusive Government and the GPA is both cynical and an outright sham. SADC should recognise the machinations of a dictatorship bent on clinging to power, and take the necessary disciplinary action.

 

List of Constitutional Outreach Programme Members who are perpetrators of political violence

 

Katsiru, Lawrence

Lawrence Katsiru a prominent member of the Vapostori faith Church in Marondera, has over the years ordered all the followers of his church to support and attend all Zanu-PF meetings and rallies,. He was imprisoned (9 years) for raping a minor (13 years old) in Marondera it appears he never served his time but was released from prison after a short while. He has led a campaign of violence against MDC supporters and is feared by many activists in Marondera.

 

Baloyi, Ailess

Chiredzi South MP, in 2008 organised political violence against MDC supporters, is mostly feared by victims of violence from that constituency.

 

Beremauro, Godfrey

Godfrey Beremauro sponsored militia bases in the Hurungwe central constituency; many MDC supporters were abducted and tortured; some murdered by youths following his instructions.

 

Chaderopa, Fungai;

Chaderopa working in conjunction with the ZRP officer in charge of Sanyati police station unlawfully detained MDC supporters in 2008, for periods ranging from three days to 2 weeks without charge, these people were tortured and denied food during their detention.

 

Chanetsa, Peter Tapera

Peter Chanetsa provided transport and food to Zanu-PF youths in bases set up in Hurungwe North; he gave the group led by Jawet Kazangarare a party truck that was used in the abduction torture and murder of MDC supporters.

 

Chindori Chininga, Edward;

Chindori Chininga masterminded the assault and destruction of homes belonging to MDC supporters in Guruve – he was referred to as the commander in chief of the bases in Guruve in the run up  to the Presidential election run off in 2008 .

 

Chinomona, Mabel Memory;

Mutoko North MP, In the run up to the 2008 elections Mabel moved around the constituency in the company of uniformed soldiers setting up bases, she threatened MDC supporters with death, many MDC supporters were assaulted during her meetings in the constituency.

 

Chihota, Phineas Chivazve

During the campaign period for the presidential run off elections in 2008 he addressed rallies around Seke district threatening MDC supporters with death if they did not vote for president Mugabe. His vehicle was used by a group led by Joseph Mutongoreya that abducted people on 16 June 2008 and took them to Marikopo base where they were tortured.

 

Hlongwane, Makosini;

Makosini Hlongwane is the MP of Mberengwa East, in 2008 elections he moved in the company of CIO agents based at Mataga Growth point terrorising MDC supporters in the area, he was personally involved in the assault and torture of MDC supporters at Chingechuru Prim School on 22 June 2008.

 

Kachepa, Newton;

Kachepa the MP of Mudzi North constituency led a ruthless campaign of violence against the MDC, he was involved in the murder of Peter Tom Butao on 28 April 2008, Temba Muronde on 14 April 2008, Kingswell Mateta in July 2008, he directed the abduction and torture of many MDC supporters in his constituency, he currently threatens people with death if they continue supporting the MDC.

 

Katsande, Aqualinah;

She is the MP of Mudzi West constituency; she led a reign of terror against MDC supporters in 2008. Aqualinah accompanied by Zanu PF youths attacked and killed Lever Katsande at Zanza village, Mudzi district , on 27 April 2008. On 8 July 2008 and assisted by Peter Nyakuba, killed Gwindiri Mutadza in Mudzi West.

 

Madubeko, Josephat;

Madubeko is the MP of Vungu, he encouraged Zanu PF supporters to attack and chase away MDC supporters from their areas, several people were assaulted as a result of his campaigns.

 

Matonga, Bright;

MP Mhondoro -Ngezi, Bright Matonga led a group of youths to Dadidrayi Chipiro’s home looking for her husband Chipiro who is an MDC activist and chairperson of the area when they did not find him they started beating her then chopped off her hand and both feet, they threw her into her hut and threw a petrol bomb into the hut setting it on fire. She was burnt to death. The gang was driving in two vehicles belonging to Brighton Matonga (Zanu-PF MP) (June 8 2008).

 

Mazikani, Paul Hebert;

Mazikani and a group of Zanu-PF youths assaulted Wanzirai Magodo and destroyed his home including a tractor, they took away his clothes and money amounting to Z$900 Million. He led the gang that killed Titus Goho on June 12, 2008 at their base they assaulted him until he died they accused him of supporting the MDC T. A militia gang led by Paul Mazikani killed Biggie Zhuwawo in April 2008.

 

Mhandu, Cairo;

Cairo Mhandu the MP for Mazowe led groups of youths and war veterans who killed, Gibbs Tawengwa and Hama Ngowani on June 30, 2008. On May 5, 2008 Mhandu in the company of uniformed soldiers led a big group of youths into the Chaona area of Chiweshe communal lands where many MDC supporters were assaulted; He was personally involved in the killing of Alex Chiriseri, Joseph Madzuramhende, Godfrey Jemedze, Author Matombo, Patson Madzuramhende and David Tachiwa Mapuranga.

 

Moyo, Jonathan;

MP Tsholotsho North; Jonathan Moyo is the architect of AIPPA and POSA, two pieces of legislation that were used to close media houses. Opposition party activists and leaders have suffered at the hands of security agents and the police using POSA to justify their ruthless campaign of terror against the opposition supporters. Jonathan Moyo has since 1999 churned out hate speeches that has encouraged the spirit and culture of violence within his Zanu-PF militia, many people have lost their lives, property and thousands have been maimed and tortured as a result.

 

Mutinhiri, Ambrose;

Ambrose Mutinhiri MP Marondera West: personally led a campaign of violence against MDC supporters in the Mahusekwa area of Marondera   West constituency, he would order the detention of MDC supporters for no apparent reasons. He set up and supported Zanu PF Militia bases in the Chihota communal lands where many MDC supporters were assaulted and tortured.

 

Muza, Isheunesu;

Muza is a Zanu-PF official feared by many MDC supporters, he moves around the Redcliff town in the company of CIO agents have always threatened MDC activists with death if they do not change.

 

Parirenyatwa, David Pagwesese;

MP Murehwa North ; In June 2008 towards the presidential run off Dr Parirenyatwa held a rally at  Mukarakate Business Centre in Murehwa where he threatened all MDC supporters with death if they voted for Morgan Tsvangirayi, several MDC supporters where severely assaulted at this meeting and at the other rally he held at St Peters. He was witnessed branding an AK 47 at meetings. He organized and visited torture bases at night in Murehwa north. His vehicle was used by gangs who murdered Edward Pfukwa on June 17, 2008 and Alloys Chandisareva Sanyangore in November 2008.

 

Pasiwomusha, Matiza Biggie;

Biggie Matiza organised all the bases that were set up in Murehwa West and South, He was present when a lot of MDC supporters were assaulted at St Peters in the Mukarakate area. He used to supply the youths in these bases with food and money and he supervised their work during the night. These gangs killed Edward Pfukwa on June 17, 2008 and Moses Nyada on June 19, 2008.

 

Raradza, Edward;

Edward Raradza is a notorious perpetrator of violence in the Muzarabani and Chiweshe areas, he was present on May 5, 2008 when many people were attacked and some killed at Chaona in Mazowe North.

 

Shaddy, Sai;

The senator of Gokwe Sengwa who brought in hundreds of Zanu-PF militia from other areas to assault MDC supporters in the Chief Sai area of Gokwe in 2008, many people were assaulted and reports from the areas note that some are still nursing their injuries.

 

Zhuwawo, Patrick;

Zvimba East MP, He terrorised MDC supporters in the farming community around Norton, he was always accompanied by CIO agents based in Norton, he threatened to chase away all new farmers from their plots if they supported the MDC.

 

Dinha, Martin;

The Governor of Masholand Central Province, famous in his Zanu-PF circles for his hatred of white commercial farmers, in September 2009 ,he ganged up with Masanzu also a senior civil servant and some CIO agents and forced former commercial farm workers in the Mateptepa farms to stop market gardening projects and start working full time for the new farmers.

 

Hungwe, Josiah;

The senator of Mwenezi -Chivi well known for his hate speeches, he encouraged the assault and eviction of MDC supporters in Masvingo.

 

Kabayanjiri, Oriah;

Kabayanjiri is the UMP senator who orchestrated a campaign of violence in 2008, he organised the gang that assaulted people in the UMP district, and his militia killed livingstone Dzenga on July 1, 2008 and Benson Tukaruza Karombe on May 11, 2008.

 

Katyamaenza, Virginia;

Makonde Senator: Victims of political violence report that in 2008 they were assaulted at Katyamaenza’s homestead which was sometimes used as a base by Zanu-PF militia.

 

Makunde, Tendai;

Tendai Makunde the Murehwa senator, set up bases at Waterloo farm, communities’ report that Makunde was involved in the abduction and subsequent murder of shepherd Jani the late MDC official who was Makunde’s business rival.

 

Mambo, Lot

Lot Mambo is the Bubi Umguza Senator, suspected CIO agent led Zanu-PF supporters in campaign of violence in the Umguza district.

 

Muchenje, Viginia;

Viginia Muchenje is the senator of Zvimba, Political violence victims from Zvimba report that they were assaulted and tortured after the perpetrators had been directed by Muchenje.

 

Sakupwanya, Stanley Urayayi;

Makoni Senator he wreaked havoc in presidential elections in Makoni district, his vehicle was used by Militia gangs in attacks against MDC supporters

 

Masimirembwa, G;

Former NIPC chairperson notorious for his hate speeches, blaming the MDC for price increases and economic distortions, who believes anyone who does not support President Mugabe is a saboteur.

 

Makova, Claudious (Col. Ret’d);

Victims of violence have reported him as the commander of the militia in Masvingo Province, known as the merciless killer.

 

Muchengeti, Clarissa Vonganai ;

Muchengeti supported Zanu-PF militia by providing food at the bases in 2008; she lost the senatorial election in Kwekwe and was bitter and very ruthless in presidential run off campaign.

 

Mandiitawepi, Chimene Mandi;

Lost the Mutasa-Nyanga senatorial elections and was very active in the violence before the presidential elections, reports note that Chimene funded some bases and identified some MDC supporters who were later attacked by soldiers and the militia.

 

Mahofa, Shuvai;

Shuvai Mahofa lost the house of assembly elections for Gutu South and led a ruthless trail of violence against MDC supporters her vehicles were reportedly used by the Militia in the abduction and torture of people.

 

Chinotimba, Joseph;

In 2008 election campaigns Chinotimba Led the youths who destroyed Admore Chibutu’s home and assaulted him on 11 May 2008.In the company of his cousin Chinotimba threatened Idah Munyukwi with a gun on 5 May 2008. and raped her twice. He kicked, stepped on and threatened Petros Murinda with a gun on 5 May 2008, accusing him of voting for MDC. His car was used in the attack of Choukuse Nyoka Mubango on 18 May 2008. Choukuse later died.Chinotimba in the company of army members and Zanu-PF youths attacked Tongeyi Jeremiah’s home on 15 May 2008. They went away with 7 cattle, 10 goats, and 6 sheep together with fowls. On 11 May 2008, he failed to get Mangwanani Zvichapera but he destroyed his home and confisticated his 5 chickens and 2 goats. He drove Jeremiah Tongeyi’s cattle to the business centre and forced him to vacate from his home on the 15th of May 2008. Chinotimba is notorius for having spearheaded the violent activities perpetrated by Zanu-PF supporters since 1999 especially violence linked to farm invasions.

 

Chapfika, David;

David Chapfika sponsored militia in 2008 by providing food and money to bases in the Hoyuyu area of Mutoko

 

Mliswa, Themba;

Themba Mliswa a well known Zanu-PF violent activist, he attacked and maimed white commercial farmers during the land invasions and has continued to terrorise the remaining commercial farmers in and around karoyi. In 2008 he personally assaulted many MDC supporters from those areas his attacks were described by his victims as vicious and severe.

 

Muzenda, Tsitsi Veronica;

Tsitsi Veronica Muzenda lost senatorial elections for the Gweru Chirumhanzu is reported to have supported the militia in Gweru with transport to carry out violent activities against supporters of the Late senator Kombayi.

 

Bhasikiti, Kudakwashe;

MP Mwenezi East, he organized the Zanu-PF militia gangs in Mwenezi to attack known MDC supporters; he provided the party vehicle that was used in the abduction and murder of a teacher Munguni at Neshuro Business Centre.

 

Mangami, Dorothy;

Senator for Gokwe, violence activities were planned from her home in Gokwe, she worked with Major Dalu Moyo assisting him in identifying MDC supporters who were later attacked by the militia under the command of major Moyo.

 

Mangena, Jabulani;

Jabulani Mangena MP Mberengwa North has been named in thirteen reports of political violence incidents as the main perpetrator during the 2008 June elections. Victims note that he was always in the company of armed CIO agents.

 

Mafios, Dickson Itai;

MP Mt Darwin North, in 2008 Mafios organised and commanded the militia in Mt Darwin many MDC supporters were assaulted, tortured and murdered, in some of his organised operations against MDC supporters they killed, Phanuel Mubaira, Fischer Chitese, Bright Mafuriro, and Abiya Chiparira. Some victims note that he is a CIO agent.

 

——————————————————————————————————————–

 

This list has been compiled using information collected over the past 11 years by many different organisations involved in human rights and democracy, both inside and outside of Zimbabwe.

 

After the Zanu-PF Congress in December 2009, there was a meeting of the Joint Operations Command (JOC) – essentially, Robert Mugabe and the heads of Zimbabwe’s Security forces.

 

Among the resolutions taken at this meeting were the following:

 

- The GNU will be a year old in February, therefore no rush to implement outstanding issues.

 

- The January 2010 Constitutional Consultative Process will be disrupted by Zanu-PF (but spearheaded by the Army) using the excuse that money can’t be spent on the CCP when everyone in Zim has not been given agricultural inputs.

 

- ZR Police have been instructed not to attend to any reports of intimidation or violence during the CCP.

 

- Webster Shamu (Minister of Media Information and Publicity) recommended that no NGO’s or civic society be allowed to be involved in the CCP.

 

- When the Principals (to the GPA) meet again, Zanu-PF will agree to conditions, but will not implement them.

 

Negotiations between the principal signatories to the GPA are to resume tomorrow, Saturday. SADC, which has guaranteed the GPA, should recognise this deliberate stonewalling and sabotage by Zanu-PF, and support by every means, the efforts of the MDC to fully implement the agreement.

 

http://www.zimbabwedemocracynow.com/2010/01/15/murderers-and-torturers-appointed-to-zimbabwes-constitutional-outreach-programme/


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New Year 2010 – and Zanu-PF Thugs face Lawsuit

New Year 2010 – and Zanu-PF Thugs face Lawsuit

 

Posted by ZDN on January 16, 2010

 

Attacks on Zimbabwean citizens by Zanu-PF cadres continue unchecked, but MDC structures in Mudzi West in Mashonaland have announced their intention to seek justice through the courts for murder, arson, grievous bodily harm, trespass, theft and extortion.

 

The renewed violence in Mudzi is being led by George Katsande, who is the son of Aquiline Katsande, the Zanu-PF Member of Parliament for Mudzi West.

 

The latest assaults represent a reprisal of the political punishments meted out after the 2008 one-man Presidential election, when a storm of violence was unleashed on the area in apparent retribution for voting ‘the wrong way’. The crimes were reported but have been ignored by police – in direct violation of the standing Constitution of Zimbabwe, as well as police regulations.

 

Threats from Zanu PF to MDC supporters and activists in the Mudzi and Gokwe areas are: “Look what we did to you  last year and nothing has happened to us. So we can do what we like to you this year”.

 

But MDC party structures have prepared a series of lawsuits against Katsande junior and his gang of thugs. Backed by all the necessary proof and documentation, the lawsuits will be actioned by the MDC with the assistance of the Zimbabwe NGO Human Rights Forum.

 

The following Zanu-PF activists have been named as respondents in the lawsuit. The local Chief and the Sabhuku (headman) of each of the affected villages has been informed, as local custom demands.

 

George Katsande: ZPF operative

Michael “Tiger” Nhamodzvarume : ZPF DCC Security

Mekias Kasere : War veteran

Daniel Chamuteru : War veteran  (Extortion)

Mabhunu Muchapera: War veteran

Gomwe Chihwai : ZPF Masarakufa Ward Chairman

Zvikomberero Kamba : ZPF activist and Youth Leader

Batsirai Kadiki : ZPF Activist

Zivai Chibanda : ZPF Activist

Tashupika Chibanda : ZPF Activist

Robert Nyagupe : claims to be Sabhuku ZPF activist

Pedzai Kadzirange : ZPF Secretary

Sarudzai Mativenga : ZPF Womens League

Clara Chaipa : ZPF Womens league

Tonderai Muyangeni : War veteran

Innocent Dendera : ZPF activist (Assault GBH on Mrs. Mahuni)

Bernard Dendera : ZPF activist

Spencer Gwenukwenu : ZPF activist

Jesinaro Rapkin : ZPF Activist (Arson on Mujai)

Solomon Bwanali : ZPF Activist

Moffat Bwanali : ZPF Activist

Alfai Alfai : ZPF Activist

Dick Timothy Monday Garufu : ZPF activist

Joseph Bwanali : ZPF activist

Emmanuel Chakuposhiwa : ZPF Activist

Tarwirei Chihota : ZPF activist

Munyaradzi Chipaurendo : ZPF activist (deceased)

Winnet Gwenukwenu alias Basket : ZPF Womens League (deceased)

Tafireyi Nduluma : ZPF activist

Kadiki Gwenukwenu : ZPF activist

 

The complainants seek reparations for the destruction of homes and property in 2008. In the case of those perpetrators marked as deceased, the lawsuit will attempt to attach the estate of the deceased.

 

A violent start to the New Year

 

The attacks in Mudzi recommenced after the Zanu-PF Congress in December, and have escalated in January this year. Recent reports cite gangs of Zanu-PF activists, led by George Katsande, luring villagers to meetings on pretext of distributing seed maize. Each time the ‘distribution’ turns out to be a party political meeting where villagers are harangued with Zanu-PF propaganda. Statements include that the MDC and its leader Morgan Tsvangirai are ‘rubbish’; that Zanu-PF is no longer in a unity government, and that Finance minister Tendai Biti is sabotaging agricultural inputs by holding back funds, so that ‘whites can go back to their farms’.

 

While it is interesting to note that Zanu-PF has to resort to fraud in order to get any attendance at their meetings, the inflammatory statements being made at these meetings are serious. They are being viewed by the MDC as slander, as well as a deliberate attempt to destabilise the GPA and the country (a charge which could be interpreted as treasonous). In addition, the complainants suspect that many of the Katsande meetings are unauthorised under the country’s harsh POSA laws.

 

The villagers at these fraudulent meetings are being told that they must vote for the ‘Kariba Draft’ constitution when the time comes, and are threatened with more violence unless they ’surrender’ to Zanu-PF and resign from the MDC.

 

On New Year’s Day 2010, MDC ward Treasurer Benizer Mutize (who was a victim of torture during the 2008 elections) was assaulted by George Katsande and his group of Zanu-PF youth and self-styled ‘war veterans’. The gang caught Mutize while he was out herding his cattle, and beat him with sticks and fists, saying that he had refused to attend a Zanu-PF meeting at Rukonde School. The case was reported to the Police, who at so far have taken no action about it.

 

Katsande and his mob are reported to be moving from ward to ward, threatening to beat MDC members. Their message to villagers is that because of poor rainfall, Zanu-PF will bring in the donors, therefore for people to receive this food aid they will be required to produce a Zanu-PF membership card. The inference is that the donors themselves have instructed that the food  be given to Zanu-PF members only. People at Chimkoko village are being forced to purchase Zanu-PF membership cards.

 

On the 8th January 2010, Zanu-PF ‘war vets’ forced shop owners in Bindura to donate towards the Bindura War Veterans Congress, and George Katsande again led the assault of four people for not attending a ZPF meeting. One of the victims suffered broken ribs.

 

It is an outrage that the MP for the area, Aquiline Katsande, can sit in parliament and claim the respect and privilege due to a ‘lawmaker’, while her son perpetrates a continuous stream of crimes in her name. In fact the son has taken his lead from the mother: Aquiline Katsande was herself named as a perpetrator of violence and torture in the 2008/9 state-funded operation named “Mavhoterapapi ” or “How Did You Vote”.

 

This political terrorism must be condemned in the strongest terms. We call on the Zanu-PF party president, Simon Khaya Moyo, to discipline his MP and stop the violence. We call on the justice system in Zimbabwe to have the courage to uphold the law.

 

http://www.zimbabwedemocracynow.com/2010/01/16/new-year-2010-and-zanu-pf-thugs-face-lawsuit/

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