The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) has complained over the continued alleged harassment and intimidation of people perceived to be supporters of the two MDC formations mainly in Matabeleland and Midlands regions.
In its latest report covering the last two calendar months, released at the weekend, Zesn said it was concerned about reports of increased politically-related human rights violations.
“These violations include limited freedom of expression, freedom of association and right to information, intimidation, harassment and victimisation of perceived MDC supporters,” said the report.
Zesn observed that in rural constituencies, villagers were being intimidated for allegedly reading privately-owned newspapers.
“This amounts to violation of citizens’ right to information which is critical in a democracy,” said the report.
“The desire to ensure that only one voice is heard yet there are more voices the citizens can have access to speaks of gross intolerance.”
Zesn noted these violations were mostly observed in Tsholotsho and Umguza in Matabeleland North while similar incidents had been recorded in Insiza South, Gwanda Central, Bulilima East and Mangwe areas of neighbouring Matabeleland South.
Gokwe-Chireya and Gokwe Central, which are in the Midlands Province, as well as parts of Mashonaland Central and West were reportedly also affected.
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Zesn also noted that during the period under review, members of the MDC led by Welshman Ncube were arrested and detained in Hwange for having held a private meeting in Victoria Falls. They were later released without charges.
