Election Violence The pre-election period was marked by relative peace, comparative to previous elections. Notwithstanding, there were a few skirmishes. Most significant were the events of 1 August, when MDC Alliance supporters demonstrated in the streets of Harare demanding the immediate release of the presidential election results which had been delayed. The demonstrations were violent, and some vehicles were burnt. Military personnel killed six (6) unarmed protestors, and a seventh individual died from injuries related to the protests. Thirty-five (35) were injured, and there was massive damage to property. According to the police, army reinforcements were called in after riot police failed to contain the crowds. Soldiers in the street with guns It was, however, unclear whether constitutional channels had been followed and the President had deployed the army, as Commander-in-Chief of the defence forces. Close to 40 individuals were arrested in the aftermath of 1 August, mostly MDC supporters and leaders that included MDC Deputy Chairperson Tendai Biti, H i g h f i e l d We s t c o n s t i t u e n c y M P- E l e c t Happymore Chidziva and Chamunorwa Madya, the Deputy Secretary-General for the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly. All were released on bail. Following the incidents of 1 August, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, appointed a Commission of Inquiry to determine what transpired and offer recommendations for redress. The President appointed a sevenmember Commission chaired by Kgalema Motlanthe (former President of South Africa). Several concerns were raised about the Commission. A police officer holding a gun in Harare Central Business District S e c o n d l y, P r e s i d e n t M n a n g a g w a , w h o constituted the Commission and appointed commissioners, was an interested party who went on to pick individuals considered to be conflicted, among them Professor Charity Manyeruke, a known ZANU-PF activist and Professor Lovemore Madhuku, a leader of a minor opposition party, and a losing presidential candidate in the July 30 elections. On 7 November, High Court Judge Justice David Mangota dismissed an application filed by a relative of a shooting victim challenging the legality of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Firstly, the Commission was appointed to do work which police could and should have done. The Commission ended up recommending further investigations – all work of the police. The Commission did not identify who the perpetrators were. 10 STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT ZIMBABWE 2018