Report by Andwatch Mambo and Vannessa Mhizha
A group of human rights defenders have condemned the ongoing alleged human rights abuses ahead of the August 16 demonstrations and urged the security forces to maintain law and order.
Addressing journalists in the capital on Thursday, Chairperson of Zimbabwe Human rights Forum Jestina Mukoko said the police have an obligation to maintain law and order and not to interfere with people’s rights, whilst the defense forces have a role to protect life without taking it.
She further said their organization was non-partisan and have every right to play a watchdog roll against the government actions
She denounced and condemned statements by senior government officials, particularly statements by Deputy Minister of Defence Victor Matemadanda.
“We condemn and denounce statements by senior government official which are a celebration of and incitement to the killing of civilians exercising their democratic rights. This is regrettable especially at a time when many families are still mourning their loved ones killed by soldiers in August 2018”. she said
“Citizens should be allowed to voice their disgruntlement without fear of persecution, citizens should have trust in the role of the police and the military to protect them and ensure that peace prevails during the demonstrations”. She said
The NGO forum condemned the abduction of six people by suspected state agents ahead of the August 16 demonstrations.
“During the torture the men accused the victims of being involved in organizing the August 16 demonstrations, section 53 of the constitution of Zimbabwe clearly states that no person may be subjected to physical or psychological torture,” she said.
Mukoko further said that the NGO forum call upon SADC , the African Union, the United Nation and international community to condemn the unwarranted crackdown on civilians by the state
“We are committed to our watchdog role in defense of fundamental rights and we call upon other Organisation to defend the rights of citizens as outlined in the constitution of Zimbabwe which guarantees everyone’s right to free assembly and association as well as the right to demonstrate,” she said.
