An in-depth Study on the impacts of Operation Murambatsvina Table 16: Estimated losses [whole sample by household] total reported Z$5,482,817,867.00 Z$23,463,846,404.00 average reported Z$6,661,990.12 Z$30,832,912.49 total sample loss Z$108,077,465,682.07 Z$456,697,099,784.56 loss over six months Z$648,464,794,092.40 all losses [total] Z$1,105,161,893,876.96 US$66,979,508.72 If, however, the estimate is based on the population, and assuming that at least 2 persons were economically active in each household, then the estimated losses are much higher. Of course, it is not assumed that the property losses alter, only the earnings. Then the estimate for loss of earnings is around Z$3,975,109,573,476, with a total of Z$4,431,806,673,260 [US$2,685,943,438]. Now which figure is correct in reality – the higher or the lower – is academic in most respects, for the losses are enormous whichever figure is used, and for a population group that was already below the poverty datum line/relatively deprived and struggling to survive in what is the world’s fastest declining economy. On the most basic figures that we have obtained, each household affected by Operation Murambatsvina may have lost something in the average order of Z$38 million. When the losses are seen in the context of the legal issues, then it is clear that a very significant majority of those affected by Operation Murambatsvina have prima facie rights to redress and compensation, as was stated by the UN Special Envoy. The losses are consequent on illegal actions by the Zimbabwe Government if it can be established that those affected had rights to their property and rights to be carrying out their business. However, as we pointed out above, these rights may be lost through prescription of time, and this would add further injury to an already injurious situation. 25