17 It is nonetheless clear that torture frequently occurs at the hands of the ZRP, and that falanga is a relatively common form of torture. Falanga in 2008 An analysis of all the cases reporting to the Humans Rights Forum and its members during May 2008 was undertaken. There were 377 cases reporting in May, and 49 [13%] of these explicitly reported falanga. However, the sample reported very high rates of aggravated assaults (assaults involving the use of weapons or other instruments), with 262 [70%] reporting such assaults, and 29 [59%] reporting other forms of torture. Virtually all these cases [98%] took place in the rural areas, and 84% of these occurred in one of the three Mashonaland Provinces, with Mashonaland Central accounting for over 50%. 37% of the victims reported that their abuse took place at a public building – schools, clinics, churches, business centres, etc – and 43% reported that their torture took place at a so-called ZANU PF “base”. It is Conclusions There is an absolute prohibition against torture: there are no situations in which torture is allowed or can be condoned. Falanga is a very serious form of torture, and can lead to permanent disability. That falanga is used at all by the ZRP is wholly unacceptable, as is any form of torture, but it is wholly unacceptable that torture, and falanga, occur on a widespread basis. Here it should be pointed out that the Human Rights Forum, in its Monthly Political Violence Reports, has had reports of over 3,000 cases of torture since July 2001, with over 1,100 coming in 2002 alone, and, since 2006, has been increasing markedly. The recent torture and use of falanga must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. All those who commit this heinous crime must be speedily tried and all those found guilty must be severely punished. Regrettably, past experience makes this an unlikely prospect: no charges Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum. Only bruises on the soles of their feet. The use of Falanga by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.