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- Written by: Victor Simon and Claud ai
- Category: ZEXIT
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Hi Claude, I wonder if you are able to verify any of the following details obtained as a testimony from Victor Simon (a member of ZHRO) it is in regards on the torture of his parents by Zanu PF youths in June 2008. In their house at 5319 Epworth overspill, Harare. In respect of Mr Patric Simon (father) being a local chairman of MDC at that time. On the 27th June 2008 all 6 of the Simon family fled to South Africa - illegally entering SA across the Limpopo River. Mr Patric Simon died on 29th Oct 2008 and his wife on 24th March 2009 - both from their injuries during their torture. Can any of this be substantiated during the period in question - but give the mass intimidation campaigns by the regime AND the mass exodus from Zimbabwe during the 2008 elections?
I'll search for information about the 2008 Zimbabwe elections and the documented cases of political violence during that period to help verify the context of these claims. {Image: taken from ZHRO Flickr Pro Account of the Leeds Walk for Freedom 12th July 2025 taken by John Burke, Founder of ZHRO}
Zimbabwe 2008 election violence MDC torture Zanu PF
10 results
- “Bullets for Each of You”: State-Sponsored Violence since Zimbabwe’s March 29 Elections | HRW hrw.org
- Zimbabwe: ZANU-PF Sets Up 'Torture Camps' hrw.org
- Learning and performing political violence: ZANU-PF Youth and the 2008 presidential run-off election in Zimbabwe: African Studies: Vol 79, No 4 tandfonline.com
- "Bullets for Each of You": State-Sponsored Violence since Zimbabwe’s March 29 Elections: IV. Background hrw.org
- 2008 Zimbabwean general election – Wikipedia wikipedia.org
- 2008 Human Rights Report: Zimbabwe state.gov
- Perpetual Fear: Impunity and Cycles of Violence in Zimbabwe | HRW hrw.org
- Zimbabwe - Elections, Aftermath, Politics | Britannica britannica.com
- (PDF) Learning and performing political violence: ZANU- PF Youth and the 2008 presidential run-off election in Zimbabwe academia.edu
- Amnesty International has documented unlawful killings, torture and other ill-treatment of human rights defenders in Zimbabwe following elections on March 29, 2008.
- amnestyusa.org
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- Written by: John C Burke
- Category: ZEXIT
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nehandaradio.com - 15th July 2025 - Zanu PF Leading Prepetration of Intimidation
{{Source: www.zimrights.org.zw However being blocked by Firewall}} Also (see below - in italics) reinforced by Human Rights Watch
In 2024, Zimbabwean authorities acted to undermine democratic processes, repressed civil society and restricted political pluralism. They continued to weaponize the criminal justice system against perceived critics and the political opposition. Impunity for the ruling party ZANU-PF violence, intimidation, harassment, and repression against opposition members and civil society activists restricted civic and political space.
The authorities failed to uphold the government’s domestic and international human rights obligations to respect peaceful activism.
Intensified Crackdown on Government Critics
Ahead of the August 17 Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state summit in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, the authorities intensified the crackdown on opposition members and civil society activists. Security forces arrested more than 160 people, including a religious leader, elected parliament and council officials, political activists, union leaders, students, and journalists.
Human Rights Watch
Nehandaradio Report
Zanu-PF identified as leading perpetrator of human rights violations in Zimbabwe
HARARE – The ruling Zanu-PF party has been identified as the leading perpetrator of human rights violations across Zimbabwe last year, according to a report released by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) on Tuesday.
The 2024 Annual Report, titled “RISING STILL: COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN THE STRUGGLE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN ZIMBABWE,” has indicated that members of Zanu-PF were responsible for the highest number of documented human rights violations in 2024. According to the report, ZimRights documented 274 human rights violations affecting a total of 8,279 people in 2024. Of these, 4,457 were females and 3,822 were males.
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- Written by: Thomas Machingauta
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The Barring of Auxillia Mnangagwa: A Diaspora Victory and the Weight of Symbolism
The recent announcement that Zimbabwean First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was barred from attending the FLAIR Summit in the United Kingdom, hailed by protesting diaspora groups as "Mission Accomplished," represents far more than a simple travel hiccup or diplomatic snub. It is a potent symbol of shifting dynamics in international engagement, the growing power of diaspora activism, and the inescapable weight of political baggage carried by representatives of contested regimes. This exclusion, secured through persistent protest, underscores a refusal to grant legitimacy on the global stage without accountability.
The FLAIR Summit, dedicated to fostering female leadership, inclusion, and sisterhood, presented an opportunity for Auxillia Mnangagwa to project an image of benevolent statesmanship and humanitarian concern - an image carefully cultivated through domestic philanthropic initiatives. Yet, for the Zimbabwean diaspora protesters who mobilized swiftly and effectively in the UK, this potential platform was anathema. They argued that her presence would be a profound contradiction to the summit's stated ideals. Their core contention rested on the First Lady's inextricable link to the regime of her husband, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a regime consistently accused by international bodies, human rights organizations, and Zimbabwean citizens of systematic corruption, electoral manipulation, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement that has plunged the nation into crisis.
The protesters' "mission" was clear: to prevent the whitewashing of this record. They leveraged allegations not just against the government broadly, but specifically highlighted controversies surrounding the First Lady herself. These included her perceived role in the extravagant lifestyle of the ruling elite amidst crippling national poverty, her alleged involvement in opaque business dealings (notably referenced in investigations like "Gold Mafia"), and her position as a beneficiary and symbol of a system protesters view as fundamentally predatory. Their strategy was multifaceted: vocal demonstrations outside potential venues, targeted lobbying of summit organizers, and appeals to UK authorities regarding the suitability of granting entry to such a figure.
The success of this campaign – the "accomplishment" – lies in its tangible outcome. While the precise mechanism (visa denial, disinvitation by organizers, or pressure-induced withdrawal) remains diplomatically opaque, the result is unambiguous: Mnangagwa will not attend. This outcome validates the protesters' core argument. It demonstrates that the international community, or at least specific actors within it, can be swayed by evidence of misgovernance and mobilized public pressure. It signifies that the carefully curated domestic image of a philanthropic First Lady can be pierced on the international stage by the harsh realities of her association with a deeply controversial administration.
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- Written by: John C Burke
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REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR COL. (RTD) C.M. KATSANDE
AT THE FIRST LADIES OF AFRICA IMPACT & RESILIENCE (FLAIR) SUMMIT: 18 JUNE 2025
Esteemed Excellencies, First Ladies,Board Members and Organisers of the FLAIR Summit,• Dr. Yvonne Thompson,
• Dr Nero Ughwujabo;
• Mr. Charlie Stuart Gay;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me take this opportunity to thank the Organisers and Co-Founders of the First Ladies of Africa Impact & Resilience (FLAIR) Summit. This Summit comes at an opportune time as the world is facing complex challenges that require women to be the leading voices for sustainable solutions. As men, we must humbly acknowledge that we have not always done a good job of safeguarding the future for the next generations. It is time to listen, support, and elevate women's leadership.Allow me to thank the organisers of FLAIR for extending an invitation to the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa. Unfortunately, she was unable to be with us due to clashing engagements.
However, she sends her most sincere apologies and warmest regards and full support for the objectives of this Summit.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I have already mentioned, this Summit is timely and necessary. It is more important than ever to empower and amplify the voices of Africa’s First Ladies. These are voices that deeply understand the realities on the ground. They connect directly with ordinary citizens, especially women and youth, and are uniquely placed to advocate for inclusive development with the powers that be.
Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, through her interactions with communities across Zimbabwe, founded the Angel of Hope Foundation. This foundation is committed to improving health, empowering women and youth, and preserving cultural heritage. It has made a significant impact in both rural and urban areas, empowering girls to dream big, including becoming leading entrepreneurs and scientists, and strengthening Zimbabwean identity and pride. Her efforts in preserving and promoting cultural values earned her the title Patron of Culture and Heritage in Zimbabwe.
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- Written by: Reuben Gift Waretsa
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Clandestine Deals in the Country's Natural Resources
Fuelling Corruption in Zimbabwe
The arrogant and garrulous Zanu PF spokesman, Chris Mutsvangwa surprised many when he bragged at a Business conference at the Victoria Falls, that him and a few clever ones, where making big profits from investments at Manhize. He was mocking opposition politicians that they were busy calling for international sanctions against the Mnangagwa regime whilst he, Mutsvangwa and others are making easy money.
The truth of the matter is not many Zimbabweans know where Manhize is located let alone what business goes on there.
This alone raises many unanswered questions from who owns Manhize, what happens at Manhize and why it appears this is a secret place where only the privileged elite continue to loot and plunder the national resources without accountability.
My first question is who owns Manhize? From my limited knowledge on Manhize, it is a steel plant run by the Chinese Tsingshan Group. I understand this Group has various other projects in Zimbabwe where they have invested billions.
The cause for concern with Manhize is there seems to be really serious business going on there but without visible or tangible direct benefits to the impoverished nation let alone the locals.
This is where the many questions don't seem to get answers.
It would be assumed the Manhize operations are above board when it comes to compliance with state regulations like tax and labour laws. Fair enough. It would also be expected that such a Mammoth project would be so popular enough to eclipse the likes of the legendary Zisco when it comes to the provision of jobs in a country where over 90% of the population is unemployed.
So why is Manhize so concealed?
When the Zanu PF spokesman claims that they are making big profits at Manhize, who does he really refer to here? Could it be the Zimbabwean ‘government’ “regime” or those fat cats again who are notorious at stealing our minerals from the time of Chiyadzwa Diamonds? As always, one never gets answers to these questions. It was very interesting to note that Tendai Biti, a leader of the opposition was part of the panellists on the stage and he was so embarrassed by Mutsvangwa's remarks that he even failed to expose these secretive lucrative deals taking place in the mining sector.
If Manhize is such a big deal, obviously with government having a stake, why is it that the nation is not officially informed about the ongoings there?
After the Chiyadzwa fiasco, Zimbabweans can no longer tolerate further looting of our minerals.
I therefore call for an extensive and comprehensive audit of all the mining operations in Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa needs to be reminded that Land and all resources don't belong to him as a President. The land and all the resources on it are the Heritage of the people of Zimbabwe, both present and future. The President needs to fire all nonperforming ministers especially the Ministers of Roads and Road Traffic, Health and Mines.
The minerals must benefit "Vene" (the citizenry). like what is happening in Burkina Faso. There is need to forge smart partnerships where local people collaborate with foreign investors. This will go a long way in creating the much-needed jobs and the Gross Domestic Product.