8. ENFORCEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
8.1. Food Aid Cases
8.2. Binga Investigations
The ZHRC received complaints involving
alleged discrimination on the basis of
political affiliation in the distribution of
agricultural inputs and food aid in Buhera
North Constituency (which is made up of 8
wards that is, wards 7, 8,9,10,11,12,13 and
31 which were all affected), Mazowe Central
Constituency (in particular wards 7 and 8),
Muzarabani North and South Constituencies
(wards 2 and 17 respectively) and Bikita
East Constituency (in particular the Dewure
Resettlement Scheme covering wards 4 to 25.)
the ZHRC came to the conclusion that there
was indeed discrimination and exclusion in
the distribution of food aid in Bikita East
Constituency, Mazowe Central Constituency,
Muzarabani North and South and Buhera
North, contrary to Government pronounced
policy discouraging partisan distribution.
The ruling ZANU PF members were the
major alleged perpetrators in violations
linked to distribution of food, agriculture
inputs and other forms of aid. However, in
some instances, for example in Buhera North
Constituency, members were not aware of the
food distribution criteria which had exposed
them to manipulation by those responsible
for food distribution. For those who were
aware of the grievance procedure there had
been no recourse even though they followed
the proper channel.
The ZHRC received complaints relating to
alleged discrimination in the distribution
of food aid in the District of Binga in
Matabeleland North Province. Although this
was a case of partisan food aid distribution,
one of the findings the ZHRC made was lack
of proper documentation to allow people to
receive food aid. The District Administrator
revealed that some beneficiaries did not have
birth certificates in order to enable them to
obtain national IDs which are required during
food distribution. This is a matter that has to
be dealt with to allow citizens to have proper
documentation to enable them enjoy their
rights without any form of discrimination.
The ZHRC continues to receive complaints on
food aid which is an indication that there is a
grave problem which needs to be addressed.
The ZHRC continues to engage all relevant
stakeholders to come up with a solution to
address the issues that have been brought
forward by the Zimbabwean citizens.
32
8.3. Chiredzi Investigations
A complaint on the disappearance and
alleged violation of the victim’s right to
personal liberty and freedom from torture,
cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment of
Kariborn Nyemba (hereinafter referred to as
the victim) was filed by Honourable Chiwa,
the Member of Parliament for Chiredzi, who
had been requested to do so by the victim’s
relatives in 2015. The violations are alleged
to have been committed in May 2015 by a
Captain of the Zimbabwe National Army, one
Edmore Gono and an Officer in the Central
Intelligence Unit of the Zimbabwe Republic
Police, Henry Dhowa. The complaint was filed
in July 2015 and this was within the period
allowed by Section 4 (a) of the Zimbabwe
Human Rights Commission Act [Chapter
10:30].
The ZHRC began its investigations into
the matter in August 2015. The relevant
Protecting, Promoting and Enforcing Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
Select target paragraph3
Add to table of contents