On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against journalists (IDEICAJ), it is also imperative to reflect on the human rights abuses such as the brutal torture and alleged abductions of innocent civilians and human rights defenders in Mat South, in which the perpetrators of these crimes are yet to be brought to account and face justice.
One of the people in Matabeleland South who were violently treated by the security officers is Edison Chimusoro from Beitbridge. Mr Chimusoro was viciously attacked by police dogs and suffered deep wounds. The perpetrators who unleashed the attack are still enjoying impunity from the state, while Mr Chimusoro is still suffering from the attack.
During the same period, Joseph Mazwi Ndlovu from Bulilima District was violently killed by suspected ZANU PF youths for questioning the distribution of food aid in a partisan way.
These Mat South cases are some of the human rights abuse that led to the hashtag #ZimbabweanLivesmatter movement on social media; a movement that was designed to try and bring those responsible for human rights violations to account.
The perpetrators of these gross human rights abuses are yet to face justice so that the victims who lost their lives may rest in peace while those who are alive may find consolation.
There are many cases of innocent citizens who have been beaten yet the people responsible are still walking free. On IDEICAJ day, it is imperative that the Zimbabwean authorities do not fail the victims and their families by not apprehending those responsible and bring them to justice.
If the people responsible for gross human rights abuses are not brought to justice, Mat South youths and other residents in general will continue to live in fear. Bringing those responsible to face justice will bring back hope and a sense of protection, knowing that whoever breaks the law will face the full force of justice.
The government, security sector and the courts must move swiftly in making sure that those who have violated other people`s constitutional rights are brought into account, to protect democratic values in Zimbabwe, as well as bring peace and consolation to those who have been victimized. It is also important that the international community listens to those who have been victimized for exercising their constitutional rights, in order to champion justice and fight impunity.
Ends
Recent Comments