Surplus in the midst of poverty
Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube on 4 June 2020 declared a $9.8 billion budget surplus during the first quarter of 2021. Government has not provided adequate safety nets for those affected by Covid -19 and Zimbabwe is struggling to provide vaccines even for the second dose.
Prisoners of conscience
The Supreme Court on 4 June 2021 ordered the immediate release from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison of two political prisoners, Last Tamai Maengahama and Tungamirai Madzokere, who had been detained since 2016 after they were convicted and sentenced to serve 20 years for allegedly murdering a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer. The court found them not guilty.
Access to documentation
While access to documentation is a right, the Registrar General’s Office is failing to provide national registration documents. Zimbabweans wait for months for birth certificates, national identity documents and passports.
Demolitions in Harare
On June 20, 2021, Harare City Council demolished structures in Mbare destroying sources of livelihoods for citizens who are already reeling from poverty and Covid-19 effects. Similar demolitions were carried out in Chitungwiza and Melfort Park.
Government turns down vaccine donations
In a letter dated 02 June, 2021, the government wrote to Afreximbank turning down the provision of Johnson and Johnson vaccines while the country has a serious shortage of vaccines resulting in failure to provide even the second dose. Read our statement on the shortage of vaccines.
Attacks on human rights defenders
Chitrest Director Alice Kuvheya was arrested on Monday 14 June 2021 and charged with incitement to participate in a gathering with intent to promote public violence as defined in section 187 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act as read with section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. Kuvheya had challenged demolitions in Chitungwiza
Farm grab
Osisa Director, Siphosami Malunga received a call from the Bulawayo Land Office on 14 June 2021 and was informed that the government was repossessing his family private farm
Source: ZimRights
