perpetrators – ZRP Riot Squad, the CIO, the ZNA, and the youth militia – were more frequently
reported by the non-activist group.86 However, activists were more likely to report that their
violation had occurred at police stations, and Harare Central Police station was significantly more
frequently mentioned by activists.87
There were very interesting differences reported between the two groups in terms of the alleged
violations [see Table 24 below extracted from Appendix 3]. Activists were significantly more likely
to report serious violations, and, additionally, activists were more likely to report multiple
violations.88
Table 24
Comparison of activists and no-activists, Alleged violations, 2000 to 2006.
Non-activist
Activist
[n=326]
[n=905]
Arson
0
0
Assault
144[44%]
372[41%]
Attempted murder
4[1%]
0
Death threats
10[3%]
48[5%]
Displacement
55[17%]*
25[3%]
Interference with freedoms
12[4%]
146[16%]*
Kidnapping
14[4%]
15[2%]
Murder
0
0
Political intimidation
52[16%]
251[28%]*
Property destruction
32[10%]*
14[2%]
Rape
1[0.3%]
2[0.2%]
Torture
37[11%]
141[16%]
Unlawful detention
83[26%]
368[41%]**
Unlawful arrest
86[26%]
313[35%]**
*p=0.005; **p=0.01
Thus, a number of important differences emerged between those who openly expressed political
or civic affiliation and others. Most important amongst these are the findings that activists are
more likely to have experienced serious violations, multiple violations, occurring at police
stations, and, of police stations, Harare Central Police station was significantly more commonly
reported than any other police station.
Involvement of senior police officers
There were a large number of names given as the alleged perpetrators, and, amongst these,
were a fair number of police officers of senior rank. Additionally, a number of these names are
mentioned on more than one occasion. This is of great concern, and leads immediately to
speculation about the systematic nature of the human rights violations. Accordingly, an analysis
86
See Table 23, Appendix 3.
87
These were significantly different: Non-activist versus activist, violation at police stations [16% v 20%,
p=0.025]; Violation took place at Harare Central Police station [4% v 8%; p=0.025].
88
Non-activist versus activist, number of different violation types [1.84 v 2.02; p=0.005].
Who guards the guards? Violations by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, 2000 to 2006
Select target paragraph3
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