HARARE, Mar. 18 (NewsDay Live) — Zimbabwe recorded 104 human rights violations affecting 3,201 people in February, with state institutions and ZANU PF-linked actors responsible for most abuses, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) reports.
Violations — including torture, assault, enforced disappearances and restrictions on freedoms — were concentrated in Harare, Manicaland and Matabeleland North.
Of the victims, 1,651 were women (24 with disabilities) and 1,550 men (14 with disabilities), highlighting the broad impact across society.
ZANU PF accounted for 35.46% of violations, followed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (21.12%), largely through intimidation, coercion and interference with freedoms of assembly, association and expression.
Local councils made up 15.14% of cases and school authorities 11.55%, with traditional leaders at 6.37%. Other government officials and suspected state agents each accounted for 3.59%, the Zimbabwe National Army 1.20%, and other actors 1.99%. Another 1.99% were unidentified.
“The data highlights the systemic role of state and politically affiliated actors, raising concerns over accountability, personal security and citizens’ participation in civic life,” ZPP said.
Harare recorded the most cases (30), followed by Manicaland (17) and Matabeleland North (16). Masvingo had 11, Mashonaland East 8, Mashonaland West 7, Mashonaland Central 6, while Bulawayo and Midlands recorded four each. Matabeleland South had one.
ZPP said violations were highest in urban and politically contested areas, underscoring the need for targeted monitoring and protection.
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