1.
Introduction
1.1
This report contains findings of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
(ZHRC/Commission), pursuant to an investigation undertaken by the ZHRC
into a complaint alleging the violation of the right to freedom from arbitrary
eviction through the demolition of houses belonging to the complainants by
the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Complainants are from Arnold farm which
is part of the six farms that formed a game park known as Manzou Game
Park. The farms are Arnolds, Glenbervie, Maggiesdale, Surtic, Thetford and
Valeria which were never used for agricultural purposes even before the
land redistribution exercise as it was designated for wildlife.
1.2
The complainants had their houses demolished and burnt from the period
ranging from 23 March 2017, with some demolitions reported to be ongoing.
It is worth noting that previously there had been demolitions by the same
parties since around 2006.
1.3
In determining its role in this matter, the ZHRC considered that this set of
facts give rise to distinct causes of action, namely;
1.3.1 An action in respect of the arbitrary eviction of the respondents
without a court order or suitable alternative accommodation and
productive agricultural land.
1.3.2 An action in respect of damages arising from the loss of their houses
and household property.
1.3.3 A human rights investigation into human rights violations of the
Constitutional rights to shelter (Section 28), freedom from arbitrary
eviction (Section 74), the right to human dignity (section 51), right to
food (Section 77), right to education (Section 75) freedom from
inhuman and degrading treatment (Section 53), personal security
52(a) and the right to Administrative Justice (Section 68).
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