The United Nations has expressed deep concern at reports of people being abused and tortured in the ongoing crackdown against dissent in Zimbabwe and demanded President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to act to end the impunity.
The UN urged Mnangagwa to bring perpetrators to book.
The UN local office said it was concerned with the state of affairs in the country, especially allegations of violence that have left a trail of “destruction, lootings, mass arrests and detentions as well as reported physical violence, rape cases and sexual violence”.
“The investigations should result in holding the perpetrators to account and bringing justice to those affected, assisting families who lost loved ones, ensuring due process of law to those in custody and providing survivors with necessary health, psycho-social and legal services,” the UN said in a statement yesterday.
“Acts of violence, rape, and other forms of violence are heinous crimes and a serious threat to every individuals’ rights to life and dignity. The safety, security and dignity of every person are universal human rights enshrined in the country’s Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
At least 12 people were killed after the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and other social movements called for a three-day stayaway recently to protest against hikes in prices of fuel by over 150%. Police and the military have reportedly been beating up suspected protesters and looters, while several women alleged they were raped.
The UN said upholding the rule of law and human rights as well as adhering to humanitarian principles in public service provision and maintaining peace were necessary conditions to resolve Zimbabwe’s current socio-economic challenges.
But Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba said allegations of rape by soldiers were “propaganda” aimed at instilling revolts among people, which was not backed by evidence.
