Introduction
On day 4 of the National Lockdown announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 27 March 2020 followed by the gazetting of SI 83 of 2020 Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) on 28 March 2020, the Forum Secretariat and Forum Members continued to monitor the human rights situation nationally. Official statistics by the Ministry of Health and Child Care as at 2 April 2020 indicated that positive COVID-19 cases have increased to nine (9) whilst 307 individuals tested negative for COVID-19. It is disconcerting to note that the commendable discipline that citizens displayed during the first 2 days of the COVID19 induced national lockdown is slipping as exhibited by the increase in queues and general loitering of citizens. President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 2 April 2020 met with traditional leaders and religious leaders at the State House. In a video published by ZBC TV news, it is apparent that the traditional leaders and religious leaders were
not maintaining the social distance policy as they were interacting. The President advised religious leaders that they could have gatherings of not more than 50 people. This is contrary to Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 which only allows for up to 50 people to gather for funerals.
Methodology
This report encompasses reports covering the 10 provinces of the country through reports received from the following Forum Members:
- Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
- Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP)
- Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
- Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
- Counselling Services Unit (CSU)
General Atmosphere
In Harare, all roads leading into the CBD were blocked by ZRP officers who were requesting proof that one is an essential service provider. People without acceptable reasons to get into town were turned back to their homes. In Dzivarasekwa Extension, vendors were spotted selling vegetables, floor polish, LP gas and other home essentials. ZRP officers also raided illegal foreign currency dealers, 3 of the dealers were assaulted with baton sticks.
In St Marys, Chitungwiza, anti-riot police fired tear gas canisters to disperse people who were queuing for mealie meal and food at OK supermarket. Nearby homes were also affected by the teargas resulting in people abandoning their homes to relieve themselves of the teargas. Similarly, police fired teargas at Glen View 3 shopping centre towards a crowd that was gathered to purchase mealie meal. It was reported that in Epworth, police officers were instructing shop owners to close shops in Domboramwari. The ZRP officers were also chasing away people gathered at shopping centres. At Chadcombe Shopping Centre in Harare, scores of people were seen queuing for mealie meal at TM supermarket. Social distancing was not being observed given the large number of people who were gathered.
In Masvingo, anti-riot police were manning roadblocks which lead into the city centre and stopping people from entering the CBD without just cause. However, long queues were observed at Masvingo OK supermarket shop due to the availability of mealie meal. ZUPCO drivers were demanding a pass before one could be allowed entry onto the bus. Police officers arrested 90 people who were allegedly refusing to comply with the social distancing order at Mujuru Outlet in Gweru in the morning. The 90 were later released without charge. In Chinyoyi, Zimbabwe Republic Police officers arrested journalist Nunurai Jena at a checkpoint for using a 2019 press accreditation card even though the Zimbabwe Media Commission has not yet issued 2020 accreditation cards and the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting services issued a directive that journalists should continue using 2019 cards. Subsequently, the ZRP HQ relayed the information to all police stations. In Bindura, anti-riot police and Bindura City Council officers raided tuckshops at Progress and Garikai shops in ward 12 of Bindura North and they confiscated goods from some of the tuckshops. They also raided illicit bars in Garikai township and confiscated alcohol and cigarettes. In Bulawayo, scores of people were arrested at TM Pick’n’Pay Hyper, they were queuing at the supermarket to buy maize meal. Those who were arrested were detained at Bulawayo Central Police Station. The actual number of people arrested could not be ascertained by the time this report was compiled. However, it is worrying to note that social distancing was not observed during the transportation and detention of arrested persons. They were later released without charge.
In Entumbane suburb, groups of men were reportedly seen drinking beer around the Entumbane complex. Vendors were also seen displaying their wares whilst youths could be seen in groups, sitting on bridges and trenches while others were just roaming around at the shops and public hangout places. In Thorngroove at Downings Bakery, people were queuing for bread and not exercising caution on social distancing.
Arrests
On day 4 of the national lockdown, there was an increase in the number of arrests. 90 people were arrested in Gweru at Mujuru Outlet for loitering and defying the national lockdown. The 90 people were detained at Gweru central police station and later released without charge. A large number of people were arrested in Bulawayo at Pick’n’Pay Hyper shop. At the time of compilation of this report, the actual number of arrested persons in this incident could not be ascertained. Of concern, however, is the disregard for social distancing and recommended principles during the arrest, transportation and detention of arrested persons.
Assaults
3 people who were walking home from a nearby shopping centre were assaulted by ZRP officers with baton sticks in Bulawayo. The trio was allegedly assaulted by 7 ZRP officers and instructed to kneel face down on the ground before being assaulted indiscriminately on their backs. In Wedza, police officers assaulted 3 people at Wedza Business Centre with baton sticks for allegedly defying the national lockdown. 2 people were seriously injured whilst an elderly man was also harassed and forced to carry his bicycle rather than to ride it.
Attack on Journalists
ZRP officers arrested freelance journalist Nunurai Jena in Chinhoyi for using a 2019 press accreditation card. Previously, the Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services issued a directive that journalist should continue using 2019 cards. In response to the arrest of journalist Kudzanai Musengi in Gweru, the Zimbabwe Republic Police issued a statement stating that the Police General Headquarters had relayed information to all police stations that journalists can use the 2019 accreditation cards without hindrance. The police later dropped this reason for arrest and alleged that Jena insulted them and accused them of corruption. Jena was released into the custody of his lawyer Kudzai Choga of ZLHR and is expected to appear in court on 3 April 2020.
Summary of Violations
The table below summarises human rights violations documented from 30 March 2020 to 2 April 2020.
Conclusion
On day 4 of the lockdown, there is an increase in the number of people arrested since the lockdown began. The discipline that citizens displayed during the first 2 days of the lockdown is slipping. The Forum calls for the following:
- The national lockdown should not be used as a platform for law enforcement officers to abuse the rights of citizens. The Forum, therefore, calls upon state security forces to respect individual human rights.
- The government must intervene and protect arrested persons by taking note of prescribed social distance measures during transportation and detention.
- The government must provide law enforcement officers with necessary personal protective clothing as they are not immune to COVID-19.
- Citizens must take heed of the call for social distancing to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bearing in mind the need for basics such as water and food, accessibility of these should be within the recommended social distancing policy.
Source: Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (HRForum)
