There was no record of arrests of the alleged perpetrators who continue to roam around freely even in cases where they have been identified by victims.
The two institutions are a creation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA), signed by the three political parties in the unity government, to ensure issues that were agreed under the pact are implemented as well as to promote peace and tolerance in a country ravaged by years of political violence.
Political violence contravenes the GPA which states that “there should be free political activity throughout Zimbabwe within the ambit of the law in which all political parties are able to propagate their views and canvas for support, free of harassment and intimidation.”
MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora said the two institutions needed “teeth” if they were to successfully carry out their mandates. Apart from being heavily underfunded, said Mwonzora, they also lacked the mandate to enforce their decisions.
“It is necessary and important to make them functional,” Mwonzora said. “So far, Jomic has not succeeded in curbing politically motivated violence.”
Mwonzora’s comments come in the wake of reports that at least 20 families in Chimanimani fled their homes last week after they were attacked by suspected Zanu PF youth militia.
MDC-T’s Manicaland provincial spokesperson Pishai Muchauraya said some victims fled into Mozambique while others were being sheltered in Mutare and Chimanimani towns.
“At least 20 families have been displaced,” Muchauraya said. “Some are housed at our offices while others are being assisted by churches which we shall not mention for security reasons.”
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Political violence has also been reported in almost all provinces including Harare, Masvingo, Bulawayo and Mashonaland provinces.
MDC-T supporters said they no longer reported such cases to police because they refuse to attend to their complaints claiming the matters are “political.”
Zanu PF also blamed the MDC-T for spearheading political violence. On Friday police released a report claiming MDC-T was responsible for most of the violence.
Several MDC-T activists are currently facing charges of violence against Zanu PF supporters although the labour-based party claims they are actually the victims.
