Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum Teaching them a lesson: A report on the attack on Zimbabwean teachers MATEBELELAND SOUTH There was only one report of violence against a female teacher in Matabeleland South. She was assaulted in November 2001 for not attending a Zanu PF rally. Soon after the Presidential Elections she was assaulted for having being absent during the voting period. The victim fled the area and sought refuge in Harare leaving behind her niece who was under her charge. Beitbridge 14 March 2002 On the 25th of November 2001 a group of six Zanu PF supporters entered GM's home at Zezani Secondary School while a group of about 25 remained outside chanting Zanu PF slogans. She was asked why she had not attended a Zanu PF rally that had been held at Lutumba at 3pm that day. She responded by saying that she did not know that there had been a rally. Jabulani Dube punched her on the mouth, resulting in her losing two teeth. She had to travel to Harare to seek medical treatment. During the Presidential Elections, GM went to Harare to vote. When she had returned, about 20 Zanu PF supporters assaulted her and, amongst them, were Elijah and Vincent Nleya of Dalibazimu in Beitbridge. The group was carrying a list of suspected MDC supporters and those who were absent during the voting period. GM and three others were told to go to Tsvangirai's country. They had to hitch hike into Bulawayo since they had been banished from the area. GM left her niece whom she was in charge of. She sustained injuries on her shoulders, chest and had internal side injuries. After the assault she was experiencing pain when breathing and could not sit for extended periods. MASVINGO Masvingo had the highest figures of violations in the three categories of abduction, assault and death threats. Teachers in the province were assaulted for being MDC supporters and some were given notices to leave the province and seek employment elsewhere. Mapanzure School has been subjected to repeated attacks including two school closures. Bikita East 14 January 2002 At 4pm, about 40 Zanu PF youths, led by one “war veteran”, armed with heavy logs went to VMR's home. The victim had just returned from an opening school meeting. They accused him of supporting the opposition MDC and possessing party regalia and cards. They then forced him to lie down and assaulted him using logs on his back. The victim was threatened that if he told anyone he would suffer or lose his life. He did not seek medication because of the threats on his life. 16 January 2002 Zanu PF supporters and militia held a rally at Chinyamapere School where SM teaches. They accused him and others of supporting the opposition MDC. He was force marched from the public and forced to toyi-toyi for 15 minutes. He did 30 press-ups and was beaten up. He was then told to leave immediately. The group went back to his house and searched it. He was beaten up again at his home area on the 21st of January 2002. The victim claims that his heart nearly failed and that he experienced chest pains after the assault. 16