was briefly detained and released. No docket was opened. Manicaland Police brutality, political intolerance and denial of the right to demonstrate and petition were the major highlights for the month. Involvement of traditional leaders in the oppression of divergent voices like opposition political parties and civic organisations was also a cause for concern. Date HR Violated Provincial highlights 2 September Freedom of Assembly Heavy police presence in Mutare intimidated Mutare residents as police, some in riot gear, roamed around the city in anticipation of the NERA demonstration. The protest did not take place as people feared attacks by the police. 2 September Freedom of Association Councillor John Masondo of ward 4 Mutare North was allegedly expelled from Zanu PF for defecting to ZimPF. A meeting convened at Gwindindi Secondary School that was attended by Chief Marange and Headman Chipfatsura resolved to expel Masondo for setting up ZimPF party structures in Manjengwa village. 10 September Freedom of Association At Sadziwa Business Centre, ward 13 Mutasa Central, Enoch Benza of Zanu PF is alleged to have threatened villagers and MDC-T supporters with unspecified action if they continued to attend MP Trevor Saruwaka’s MDC-T meetings. Benza said he had deployed youths who would take down the names of those seen attending MDC-T meetings. 14 September Freedom of Expression Two members of Zimbabwe Activists Alliance were picked up by police on allegations of illegally conducting demonstrations against the state. The two organizers, *Lorraine Kondo and *Tinashe Shoko, were allegedly petitioning government over poor service delivery, economic mismanagement and unemployment. The two appeared in court on 15 September and were granted $150 bail each. 15 September Freedom of Expression Samson Sithole and Zivanai Nyakuchera, both MDC-T supporters, were denied clearance to hold a peaceful NERA demonstration in Chipinge Central. It is alleged that police threatened to shoot protesters if they went on without clearance. 14

Select target paragraph3

Add to table of contents