ZHRC investigates Hurungwe violations

via ZHRC investigates Hurungwe violations – New Zimbabwe 12/05/2015

THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has dispatched its officers to Hurungwe West in the Mashonaland West province to investigate reports of political violence ahead of the June 10 by–elections.

ZHRC deputy executive secretary, Vengesai Eric Mukuturi told NewZimbabwe.com Tuesday at the side lines of the commission’s stakeholders’ workshop in Bulawayo that the commissioners’ visit has been prompted by reports of violence in the Mashonaland West constituency.

“Two commissioners and three officers on Friday last week went to Karoi to investigate allegations of human rights abuses in the area. Some people from that constituency have come to our offices complaining about beatings,” said Mukuturi.

He, however, said he was unable to provide further details such as the identities and condition of the victims as well as the names of the perpetrators of the violence.

“That information can only be established and authenticated after the investigations. The officers will compile a report of their findings which will be handed over to the commissioners who will decide on what action to take,” said Mukuturi.

Hurungwe West has been turned into a virtual war zone with Zanu PF supporters allegedly terrorizing rivals and villagers.

Independent candidate and axed former Zanu PF Mashonaland West chairman, Temba Mliswa is fighting it out with the ruling party’s Keith Guzah. Mliswa has gone public about the violence in his constituency, accusing his former party of gross human rights violations.

ZHRC was created in February 2009 during the inclusive government but the commission was not operational until June 2014.

Since becoming operational, the commission has failed to effectively deal with human rights abuses in the country due to a host of challenges which include budgetary constraints.

Activists say the government is not really committed to the human rights cause.