Intimidation was recorded in 6 districts: Gokwe South, Maramba, Mt Darwin, Muzarabani,
Nyanga and Mudzi. HZT observed that the human rights violations recorded in this period
were perpetrated by 32 perpetrators (30 males and 2 females). ZANU PF continues to top the
majority of the perpetrators with 22 recorded in this period. Eight of the perpetrators were also
traditional leaders (7 village heads and 1 Headman), 1 councillor and 1 retired soldier. The
majority of the victims were opposition supporters followed by ordinary community members,
village heads, residents and vendors.
3.0 Our Intervention on Human Rights Violations.
Heal Zimbabwe is committed to protecting and assisting survivors of torture so that they are
able to access justice and requisite social services. The organisation has, in this period under
review intervened in the 16 reported cases through its rapid response referral system. HZT has
since forwarded the cases for further investigation to the Zimbabwe Human Rights
Commission (ZHRC) and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
In an attempt to reduce violence and human rights violations, the organisation is currently
reaching out to community members especially youth country wide to desist from engaging in
violent activities. The organisation is running a National Peace Campaign for peaceful 2018
elections dubbed 13 Million Voices For Peace, #13MilVoices4Peace.
4.0 Conclusion
Heal Zimbabwe observed that whilst all forms of human rights violations are unacceptable, the
environment is generally peaceful with sporadic cases of covert violence being recorded.
Intimidation and any other forms of human rights violations are a threat to peace and erodes
the social fabric and community cohesion in local communities. HZT further calls for tolerance
for divergent views and urge all political parties to craft and implement non -violent campaign
strategies and desist from inciting violence and anarchy in local communities. Heal Zimbabwe
appeals to the ZHRC and ZEC to launch speedy investigations into the recorded cases of
violations so that justice is met for the victims. Heal Zimbabwe further urges all the citizens in
the country to shun violence and promote peace in their respective spaces.
3