demonstrate and petition they went ahead with the planned demonstration. 5 September Freedom of Assembly *Kundai Mudzingwa of MDC-T was reportedly threatened with unspecified action by Laiza Kugedera of Zanu PF for holding an MDC-T meeting near Kugedera’s homestead in Muchokwa village ward 20 in Zaka Central. Kugedera is alleged to have approached the meeting and demanded that the members disperse. 17 September Freddom of Assembly 29 Zanu PF youths led by Abiot Madzove disrupted a Chivi Residents Association meeting. The conveners of the meeting that was chaired by Anoziva Muguti were allegedly accused of furthering the cause of the MDC-T. Madzove and others ordered the gathered residents to disperse or face unspecified action. 17 September Freedom of Expression There was heavy police presence in Masvingo city as police tried to thwart the NERA demonstrations. Some of the police officers carried AK47 rifles. As a result, the planned demonstrations failed to take off. 25 September Property Rights Renias Muchoko and about 160 other Zanu PF supporters allegedly invaded Mwenezana Sugar Estate owned by Tongaat Hullets and began parcelling out plots of land to each other. The ZANU PF supporters reportedly camped at the Estate resulting in disruption of operations at the farm in Triangle, Chiredzi. Matabeleland North The most common violation recorded during the month of September is politicisation of food aid. It still remains difficult for civic society and opposition parties to operate freely as there is continued reluctance by the police to sanction gatherings and peaceful demonstrations. Date HR Violated Provincial highlights 2 September Freedom of Assembly It is alleged that intelligence agents and heavily armed police were seen frequently at Lupane business centres like Cross, Jotsholo, Lupane, St Lukes and Fatima. At times they would threaten people gathered in groups and order them to disperse. 21