METHODOLOGY
This report is based on reports from ZPP long-term community based human rights monitors who observe,
monitor and record cases of human rights violations in the constituencies they reside. ZPP deploys a total of
420 community-based primary peace monitors (two per each of the 210 electoral constituencies of
Zimbabwe). These community-based monitors reside in the constituencies they monitor. They compile
reports that are handed over to ZPP provincial coordinators who man the different ZPP offices in the ten
administrative provinces of Zimbabwe. Upon receipt and verifications of the reports from the monitors, the
provincial coordinators compile provincial monthly monitoring reports, which are then consolidated at
national office into the ZPP monthly monitoring reports published in retrospect.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In this report ZPP highlights the risks that gold panners face at Kitsiyatota in Bindura as they try to
eke a living. When ZPP team arrived at the site they were mobbed as gold panners thought they
were ‘sponsors’. The gold panners tried to ‘sweet talk’ our team claiming that by just investing $100
a ‘sponsor’ would make a profit of about $800.
In the month under review ZPP came across a community in Gwanda North that is proud of how
their representative in the House of Assembly Hon. Madodana Sibanda of Zanu PF has transformed
the distribution food and other aid. He is commended for advocating for equitable distribution
regardless of political affiliation. While in Gwanda North Hon Sibanda demonstrated that he
represents all citizens in the constituency regardless, the same cannot be said of leaders in other
parts of the country. As the campaigns for by elections slated for March 27 in Chirumanzu-Zibagwe
and Mount Darwin West gathered momentum Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa left most shell
shocked as he threatened those that belong to other parties.
“Nobody comes to vote in the same manner death comes, for death you cannot build a fence
to keep it out, but a person who votes we can tell if they are for us or not with us and those
who are not ours we will fence them out”.
This report highlights incidents of civil and political rights and food violations recorded in all the
provinces during the month of February 2015.
Reports from the provinces indicate that there is general calmness compared to the previous
months where intra-party fights were vicious especially in the Zanu PF party. In its effort to purge
unwanted party elements some senior Zanu PF members perceived to belong to the former Vice
President Joice Mujuru suffered the wrath of the party.
In the month of February however, there have been reports of peaceful campaigning by both Zanu
PF and opposition parties in some of the Harare constituencies and Mashonaland East province.
Midlands province also recorded calmness except for a protest held against the MDC-T President Mr.
Morgan Tsvangirai when he visited the City of Gweru. The MDC-T President was not well received by
residents when he toured Gweru City. He was accused of using council property especially vehicles
during his visit. Gweru residents waved placards denouncing the visit and accused him of taking
advantage of their economic hardship to gain political ground.
In another political engagement, MDC-T party successfully held its meeting on 20 February 2015 in
Mudzi and there was a huge turnout. Other constituencies that experienced calmness in
Mashonaland East province include Seke, Murehwa West, Uzumba and Maramba Pfungwe. However
Chikomba West in the same province is reported to have an intimidatory atmosphere because of the
huge presence of Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) officers everywhere monitoring the
operations of social and development projects in the area.
2