15 As Table 2 below illustrates, ZANU (PF) supporters were reported to be the alleged perpetrators in the majority of cases. 80% of the sample reported ZANU (PF) supporters as the main perpetrator. State agents were also mentioned with some frequency, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police [ZRP] were the next most frequently mentioned [11%]. Table 2 Alleged perpetrators [n=445] Source: Human Rights Forum [“Forum data”] Number[percentage] CIO 1[0.2%] Farm invaders 9 [2%] MDC46 0 Other 3[0.7%] Suspected Zanu(PF) 1[0.2%] Unaffiliated individual 1[0.2%] Youth Militia 5[1%] Zanu(PF) supporter 357[80%] Zanu(PF) Youth 28[6%] Zimbabwe National Army 5[1%] Zimbabwe Republic Police 49 [11%] ZNLWVA 36[8%] ZRP CID 2[0.5%] ZRP Riot Squad 7[2%] The incidents of violence were most frequent during the election years of 2000, 2002 and 2005. Nonetheless the coincidence of the frequency of violations over this period suggests a clear correlation with the elections thus supporting what is often overtly stated by the violators, that the gender-based violence is politically motivated. Given that the smaller, and more complete sample [“Forum data”], was mostly comprised of rural women, it seemed worthwhile to examine the contribution of rural identity. Here the sample was sorted into rural and urban groups, and the data examined. 45 46 “We want to remind those that might turn on the state that we have armed men and women that carry guns and are allowed to pull the trigger on them.” Mugabe: Human Rights Watch Report p24. Mugabe addressing delegates at the Zimbabwe embassy in Cairo, Egypt, September 23, 2006 in relation to the ZCTU torture: “When the police say move, you move.” This falsely suggested that the injuries sustained were due resisting arrest. This is not to suggest that violence is never perpetrated by MDC supporters but simply that this is the case in this sample. “A Woman’s Place is in the Home ?” – Gender Based Violence and Opposition Politics in Zimbabwe.