25 5. Gross human rights violations The crimes that were perpetrated on the citizens of Zimbabwe are categorized as the following: • Torture • Murder • Rape • Threats and Intimidation • Theft/Destruction of property Testimonial evidence of torture and political violence that took place during the 2000 Parliamentary elections, appears in italics, and was gathered from the following court cases that were observed: Cases Which Were Directly Observed and Documented Constituency Murder Torture X X Rape Kidnapping Threats and Intimidation Destruction of Property X X 1. Buhera North 2. Chinhoyi 3. Chiredzi North X X 4. Chiredzi South X X 5. Goromonzi X X 6. Makoni East 7. Makoni West Marondera East Mberengwa West 10. Mount Darwin South X X X X X X X 11. Murehwa North X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 5 12 13. Seke # X 14. Shurugwi 15. Zvishavane Totals X X 8. 9. 12. Mutoko South X X 5 12 X 2 5 # The Seke election petition case was the only election petition that was brought by Zanu (PF) as the petitioner. Methods and Types of torture used Assaults and beatings of victims were carried out with various weapons such as knobkerries, sjamboks, wire, wood planks, iron bars, bicycle chains, and other items. A particular method of torture, called falanga, has the potential for long-term health effects. Falanga, which is the beating of the soles of the feet, is excruciatingly painful, reduces the ability of the victim to walk temporarily, and in some cases causes permanent disability. Victims are also beaten on the buttocks, which rendered the victim unable to sit and caused severe injuries. Beatings and torture were sometimes carried out indiscriminately, often at the so-called “pungwes” where Zanu (PF) supporters beating those persons identified as MDC supporters. They also occurred during attacks on people’ s homes. They were sometimes prompted by challenging the victim about his or her political affiliation. In some cases the victim was told to AMANI Trust: Organised Violence and Torture in the June 2000 General Election in Zimbabwe