Merchant Services Manager (Harare)

Library Technical Assistant

Assistant Binder

Broadcast Technician

Research, Innovation and Industry Linkage Officer (RIILO)

Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Officer

Procurement Officer

Intellectual Property Management Officer

Research Officers x2

Business Development Officers x2

Innovation Lead (Engineering)

Innovation Lead (Arts & Creative Industries)

Innovation Manager

Public Health Specialist: Prevention, Care & Treatment (Harare)

Driver (Kariba)

Relief Drivers x8

Business Intelligence Analyst (Harare)

Contact Centre Agent-1 (Harare)

Switchboard Operator (OMAO) (Harare)

Procurement Manager (Bulawayo)

Auditor - ICT & Internal Control (Harare)

Legal Officer (Harare)

Auditor (Harare)

Director General (Harare)

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has demanded the implementation of the recommendations made by the Motlanthe Commission which was established to investigate the 1 August 2018 killings.
Six civilians were shot dead by soldiers in central Harare during protests over delays in announcing presidential election results.
Thirty-five others were wounded in the shootings, forcing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to appoint a commission headed by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, to probe the killings.
The Motlanthe Commission, recommended, among other things, compensation to families of the deceased as well as prosecution of the killers.
In a letter dated October 18, 2022, addressed to the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, CiZC chairperson Peter Mutasa said:
<blockquote>
We address you in your capacity as the chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce which was tasked with addressing issues arising from the findings of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry report.
We write to your esteemed office expressing our reservations over the failure of the Government of Zimbabwe to implement recommendations of the seven-member Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry following the events of August 1, 2018, that resulted in the death of six civilians at the hands of the army following protests over the late announcement of Presidential election results in Harare.
</blockquote>
Mutasa raised the issue of security sector reforms which he said should be addressed. He said:
<blockquote>
So far, the Government of Zimbabwe has not instituted security sector reforms to ensure that the military acts within the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and in conformity with human rights norms and standards.
The State is still to implement Section 210 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe that provides for an Independent Complaints Mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from the members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct.
The Independent Complaints Mechanism is a crucial body in light of the increasing cases of human rights abuses linked to security.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002379/2018-army-shootings-ziyambi-under-fire">NewsDay</a>

Pindula News

CiZC Demands Implementation Of Motlanthe Commission Recommendations

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiCZ) says the government should compensate the families of people who were killed by soldiers on 1 August 2018 in Harare as recommended by an international inquiry established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Monday, 1 August 2022, marked the fourth anniversary of the killing of six civilians and injuries to dozens of others when the government unleashed soldiers from the Presidential Guard on MDC people who were protesting delayed presidential election results. CiCZ chairperson Peter Mutasa said:
<blockquote>
There must be payment – through a select committee to be set up by the government – of compensation for losses and damages caused.
… in particular (there is a need for) support and school fees for the children of the deceased and to have electoral reforms.
(we also need) the development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems, to among other things enhance the transparent and expeditious announcement of election results.
</blockquote>
The international panel led by former South Africa president Kgalema Motlanthe recommended, among other things, compensation for victims.
Mutasa also demanded the prosecution of those responsible for killing unarmed civilians to ensure there is no repeat of the 2018 post-election killings. He said:
<blockquote>
We need accountability in respect of the alleged perpetrators as well as nation-building and reconciliation, including an initiative for multi-party dialogue and cooperation.
As Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, we implore President Emmerson Mnangagwa to honour his pledge for a new dispensation and ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry.
</blockquote>
A report by advocacy group Veritas says families of those who were killed, and people who suffered physical injuries, are yet to be compensated. It said:
<blockquote>
An inter-ministerial committee was set up in 2019 to implement this (compensation) and other recommendations of the Commission, but the compensation fund has not been established.
Compensation has been paid to some victims who suffered property damage caused by rioters, but families of those who were killed, and people who suffered physical injuries, have not been compensated.
This is inexplicable since those who were killed and injured by the military and police were identified and named in the Commission’s report.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/compensate-victims-of-august-2018-army-killings-govt-urged/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Govt Urged To Compensate Victims Of August 2018 Army Killings

Despite claiming that the government has fully complied with recommendations made by the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry into the 1 August post-election violence, a senior government official could not confirm if the shooting victims’ families had received any payments.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Mrs Virginia Mabhiza, who was also the Commission’s secretary, said her Ministry is not responsible for making payment and has not received feedback from the families to ascertain the form of assistance they have received. Mabhiza said:
<blockquote>When the report came out we had physical communication with the victims’ relatives and families who we told of the procedures to follow through social welfare in order to get compensation.
As the Ministry of Justice, we are not responsible for payments. Payments are processed through (Ministry of Public Service, Labour and) Social Welfare.
What has happened is that we have not really received much feedback from the families to ascertain the sort of assistance they have received.
We had planned for assistance with payment of school fees for minor children and hand-outs to assist other elderly dependants with ordinary expenses.</blockquote>
Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Simon Masanga reportedly did not respond to a request for comment.
Mabhiza did not disclose if the security services who shot and killed six people while injuring 35 more on the fateful day have been held to account.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/motlanthe-commission-recommendations-met/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></h4>

August 1 Victims' Families Yet To Be Compensated

The Zimbabwean government has said it has fully complied with recommendations made by the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry into the 1 August post-election violence.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Virginia Mabhiza, who was also the Commission’s secretary, told State media that most of the commission’s recommendations had been implemented. She said:
<blockquote>Four key issues ranging from compensation of the victims’ families, electoral reforms, political dialogue and security sector reforms came out as the key recommendations from the Motlanthe Commission.
There has been a lot of compliance. We have complied fully with the Motlanthe Commission but some of the processes are still ongoing.
Though the Covid-19 lockdown has delayed implementation of some of the recommendations, we have covered a lot of ground.
To a large extent, we have complied with the recommendations of the commission though some of the issues remain work in progress.</blockquote>
Mabhiza said the establishment of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) was in fulfilment of the recommendation on initiating civil political co-existence, and the repealing of laws such as the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) were in line with legislative reforms called for by the Commission.
She said security sector reforms were taking place through retraining programmes for the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Six people were shot dead by soldiers in central Harare on August 1, 2018, after protests erupted over what was thought to be electoral officials’ delay in releasing presidential election results.
The deaths of Brian Zhuwawo, Challenge Tauro, Jealous Chikandira, Gavin Dean Charles, Ishmael Kumire and Silvia Maphosa and the injuries sustained by 35 others were a result of the actions of the security services, the Motlanthe Commission said.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/motlanthe-commission-recommendations-met/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></h4>

We Have Complied Fully With The Motlanthe Commission: Government

The government says it has begun implementing recommendations made by the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/The_Motlanthe_Commission" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Motlanthe Commission</a> of inquiry which was formed in the aftermath of the killing of civilians in cold blood by security forces on August 2018.
This was revealed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sibusiso_Moyo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sibusiso Moyo</a> on Wednesday. He said:
<blockquote>Zimbabwe has rapidly begun the task of implementing the Commission’s key recommendations — that include reforming legislation on law and order, freedom and liberalisation of the media and electoral reform.
… we can expect prosecutions of those responsible to begin next year after the police and prosecution services have completed their post-inquiry investigations.</blockquote>
The Motlanthe Commission was established by President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> on the 19th of September 2018 to probe the post-election violence that left at least six people dead and 35 injured in central Harare on August 1.
Among its recommendations, the Commission said the security forces responsible for the killing of unarmed civilians should be punished.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-to-implement-motlanthe-commission-recommendations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

SB Moyo: Govt Rapidly Implementing Motlanthe Commission Recommendations

The government has blamed a third hand in the shooting and killing of protestors in Harare on August 1, 2018.
Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri said that the army will never turn its guns on people.
Addressing war veterans at Bazeley Bridge in Zimunya Marange on Saturday during the Manicaland war veterans’ inter-district conference, Muchinguri-Kashiri said:
<blockquote>My ministry’s position is that we do not point our guns at the people, our soldiers know their worth and that their job is to protect the masses and not to shoot them.
When demonstrations broke out in August there were enemies that had been planted to shoot at people and later we saw that the bullets that had been fired were not ours.
They joined the demonstrations so that we will be blamed but we are carrying out investigations to flush them out.
Those that are organising demonstrations only want to soil Zanu-PF’s image.
That is what they are looking for and that is why they keep provoking us but as the army, we are very disciplined and would not shoot at people.
Wherever we have gone like Somalia we have done well. We have an impeccable record. Our enemies are using different tactics so we all need to be on the lookout.</blockquote>
She accused some Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) of working with “the enemy” to train people for subversive activities.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mdc-a-itching-for-a-fight-zanu-pf/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Govt To Flush Out 3rd Hand Responsible For August 1 Shootings - Defence Minister

The United States of America’s chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jim Risch (R-Idaho), said that Zimbabwe is now in a worse situation than it was before the ouster of former President Robert Mugabe in November 2017.
In a statement marking the first anniversary of the fatal shooting of 6 civilians by soldiers in central Harare on August 1 2018, Sen. Risch advised President Emmerson Mnangagwa not to moan about targeted sanctions but instead focus on delivering the ZANU-PF government’s long-promised reforms. He said:
<blockquote>As Zimbabweans mark this sombre anniversary, we are reminded of all that can go wrong when regime preservation comes ahead of real democratic change.
Zimbabwe is facing a worse political and economic crisis today than in 2017 when long-time ruler Robert Mugabe was forced from power by the country’s military.
Today, citizens are suffering under staggering inflation, regular fuel and water shortages, rolling blackouts, a failing currency, and an increasingly repressive political environment.
President Mnangagwa’s efforts to cleanse his government’s image abroad and to convince the Zimbabwean people that their economic woes are the fault of very targeted U.S. sanctions are the wrong priorities.
These sanctions are on individuals who violated the rule of law and caused this political and economic chaos. President Mnangagwa should instead focus on delivering the ZANU-PF government’s long-promised reforms.
He should also uphold his commitment to hold to account those in the military leadership responsible for ordering the shooting of unarmed civilians last August, and since then.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.foreign.senate.gov/press/chair/release/chairman-risch-statement-on-anniversary-of-zimbabwean-military-killing-of-innocent-civilians" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US Senate</a></h4>

America Tells President Mnangagwa Not To Moan About Sanctions, But To Focus On Reforms Promised By ZANU PF

<blockquote>
<h2>1 August 2018: NEVER AGAIN!</h2>
Today marks yet another very important day in the recent history of the Zimbabwean people’s struggle against dictatorship, oppression, tyranny and theft of elections.
This day we remember fellow citizens who lost their lives at the hands of the State on 1/8/2018. They had names &amp; families behind them:‬
Silvia Maphosa 53 years 
Ishmael Kumire 43 years 
Gavin Dean Charles 45 years 
James Chikandira 21 years 
Brian Zhuwao 26 years 
Challenge Tauro 20 years
We can’t forget &amp; we will never forget.
On this day in August 2018, we saw the brutal, merciless, senseless and heinous murder of unarmed and innocent civilians in the Harare central business district.
The event of 1 August 2018, in itself, demonstrated to the whole world the crisis of governance that has defined the character and nature of the problem in Zimbabwe.
The violence witnessed in the Harare CBD brought untold suffering, not only to the families, relatives and friends of the deceased but to the nation as a whole.
It is indeed unpardonable that in the 21st century, those entrusted with the protection of the constitution and the people would conjure up schemes to maim and eliminate the same in order to protect their ill-gotten comforts and privileges and satisfy their insatiable thirst for power.
After the departure of Mr Mugabe, nothing has changed in Zimbabwe. The old cannot renew. The past cannot be the future. The past cannot be renovated.
In short, it is now clear for all to see that, concerning the style of leadership, those in the state have learnt nothing and forgotten nothing.
‪The August 1 fallen citizens were victims of a system which devours its own children. The brutality is fuelled by a longstanding culture of impunity.
If the nation had punished perpetrators, there would be no incentive to commit violence in the name of power and politics.
But the Incumbent since 1980 always protects and rewards the callous perpetrators of violence.‬
‪It is common knowledge that the state reacted with excessive force in the circumstances of the demonstrations. Even the Motlanthe Commission, with all its limitations, found that ‬the conduct of the State was “unjustified and disproportionate”. However, those responsible have not been held to account.
We must enforce measures to redress this grave injustice. What is disheartening is the plight of the victims who have received no reparation. Victims of orchestrated brutality must be compensated. Justice must be done.
Over and above this, we have witnessed an increase in abductions, harassment and intimidation of democracy activists, civil society and leaders of the opposition including members of parliament.
The attempted abduction on MDC youth leader, Obey Sithole by unknown men with unmarked vehicles, armed with AK47 guns is both a reminder and a confirmation that Zimbabwe, being unsafe for its citizens and visitors, is a country under extreme terrorism and severe violence.
The path to progress begins with an honest acknowledgement of failings. The cost of power is responsibility. A genuine people’s government has a duty to protect, repudiated on August 1 &amp; again 5 months later.
That’s why it’s gross irresponsibility for ministers to threaten to unleash the military upon the people.
We believe in giving peace a chance. We must make peace happen in Zimbabwe.
On that score, we have offered a credible and signposted dialogue to resolve the deep problems Zimbabwe is facing.
Today, as we remember those who lost their lives on 1 August, let us remember that peace is a collective responsibility and a universal duty.
It is incumbent upon every citizen to play a part in building a great and stable Zimbabwe.
Never again should citizens be subjected to brutality at the hands of the state. 
Never again should citizens be harassed for demonstrating. 
Never again should there be loss of life on account of power, politics and political differences. 
Never again should live ammunition and guns be used against civilians. 
Never again should citizens live in fear of the state. 
Never again should elections be rigged in Zimbabwe. 
Never again should we hold elections in Zimbabwe without fundamental reforms. 
Never again should we undermine the sanctity of the vote and the security of the voter and the vote. 
Never again should Zimbabwe attract the eye of the whole world on account of human rights abuses and violations. 
Never again should dictatorship prevail over democracy.
‪I commend fellow citizens for your love of peace and non-violence. Whatever we do in pursuit of our rights we hold steadfastly to the values of peace and non-violence. We are not enemies of the State.
We cannot be enemies to something that derives its authority from us. We pray for the souls we lost.
Peace in Zimbabwe! 
Today we build a better tomorrow!
Change that delivers! 
Thank you and God Bless You
Adv Nelson Chamisa 
MDC President</blockquote>

FULL TEXT: MDC Leader, Nelson Chamisa's Statement To Remember August 1 Killings

<blockquote>In the late morning of August 1, 2018, I was in President Mnangagwa’s office with then U.S. Senator Jeff Flake, one of the sponsors of the ZDERA amendment, listening to the president’s assessment of Zimbabwe’s Harmonized Elections completed two days before.
While the process was not without flaws, election day itself had clearly been an improvement over years past.  Zimbabwe appeared close to clearing its first major hurdle towards re-engagement with the international community.
Tragically, this all changed by the early afternoon when I heard gunshots outside my office window coming from Harare’s CBD.
The killing of 6 civilians and wounding of 35 more by security forces on that day remains a huge setback for Zimbabwe in the eyes of the international community.
The security forces further exacerbated this setback by systematically targeting opposition and civil society members in their homes, first in Harare’s high-density suburbs, and later throughout the country, for much of August 2018.
President Mnangagwa deserves much credit for inviting former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe to lead a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the events of that fateful day.
Ultimately, the COI produced a thorough report with many sound recommendations that the president announced and unconditionally accepted on December 18, 2018.
On January 28, 2019, he formed a special cabinet task force led by the Ministers of Justice and Foreign Affairs specifically tasked to implement these recommendations.
Unfortunately, now over seven months after the Motlanthe Report’s release, the government has very little to show in terms of its progress.  I read as of mid-June the Ministry of Justice was processing 35 victims’ claims for compensation.
While laudable, this should not take so long.  I continue to hear about how the police are being “re-equipped” to better deal with demonstrations as if this was the central lesson learned from the commission’s report.
I have yet to learn of a single soldier or security forces member held to account for the deaths of civilians as the report clearly mandated.
Sadly, the ink was barely dry on the report before security forces again acted with impunity killing more civilians in January 2019.
Likewise, the government has held no one to account for these deaths either.  Equally troubling, Deputy Minister of Defense Victor Matemadanda threatened to use soldiers “trained to kill” against protesters only a few days ago.
President Mnangagwa relieved four generals of their command in February 2019, one of whom testified before the COI to having command responsibility for the soldiers sent into the CBD on August 1.
The commission found that those soldiers’ use of live ammunition at fleeing civilians was “clearly unjustified and disproportionate.”  However, the president has never explained publicly why these generals were promoted and then dismissed.
This speaks to the issue of trust.  The Zimbabwean people need to be able to believe its government.  They deserve to be able to trust that the difficult austerity measures their leaders continue to implement in line with the recommendations of the International Monetary Fund are for their long-term benefit.
They need to be able to believe that the government intends to implement the political and economic reforms contained in the president’s Vision 2030 and Transition Stabilization Plan.
They need to believe that the government is serious about rooting out corruption, which has cost the Zimbabwean economy US$1 billion per year.
I’m not talking about bureaucratic processes and promises of reform.  I’m talking about laws that are aligned to the constitution.
Laws that unequivocally protect human rights, freedom of speech, and an independent judiciary.  Laws that deter corruption and reject impunity for even the highest in this land.
These are the reforms that will unlock Zimbabwe’s potential, and gain the trust of its citizens as well as the international community.
The United States cares deeply for the people of Zimbabwe and remains hopeful that the best days are still ahead for this great nation.
I want nothing more than for this government to succeed by truly embracing the path towards reform.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://zw.usembassy.gov/accountability-and-trust-will-determine-success-of-presidents-reform-agenda/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US Embassy In Zimbabwe</a></h4>

FULL TEXT: US Ambassador, Brian Nichols Reflects On The August 1 Killings

The opposition MDC party is reportedly divided on what to do given the ever-deteriorating economic situation in the country.
Party leader, Nelson Chamisa, is said to be inclined towards dialogue while party hardliners desire a direct confrontation with the government.
The Daily News reports that Chamisa wants to give dialogue a chance, though President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hitherto snubbed the opposition leader.
MDC officials who include youth leader Obey Tererai Sithole and vice national chairperson, Job Sikhala, who is facing treason charges, have called for protests.
Meanwhile, the government has warned that the government will not hesitate to deploy soldiers who are trained to shot to kill. Speaking at a ZANU PF event in Gweru over the weekend, party national commissar and deputy Defence Minister Victor Matemadanda said:
<blockquote>I warn that our police are trained to use minimum force but I do not know the limits of minimum force, but when the police are overpowered we will call the boys (soldiers).
The Constitution that we wrote together allows us to send soldiers and they don’t use minimum force, they don’t know it, they are trained to kill. So forewarned is forearmed.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/07/31/ed-protests-divide-mdc-as-govt-s-warning-splits-opinion-among-opposition-ranks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

MDC Divided Over Course Of Action After Govt Threats

The ruling ZANU PF party said that it is not interested in MDC’s plans to hold commemorations for people shot and killed by security forces on August 1, 2018, in Harare’s Central Business District.
Speaking to the Daily News, ZANU PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo said the government will go ahead with implementing the Kgalema Motlanthe Commission’s recommendations, of which commemorations were not recommended. He said:
<blockquote>We are implementing the Motlanthe commission recommendations and the issue of commemorations is not part of the recommendations.
So why should we bother ourselves with something which is not part of the recommendations? I think the commission did a good job and it’s a process.</blockquote>
August 1, 2019, marks a year since soldiers from an elite unit swooped on Harare and opened fire on post-election protestors, killing six in the process and injuring dozens.
The slain protestors are thought to have been MDC supporters who were pushing for the expeditious release of Presidential election results following a general election held on July 30, 2018.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/07/30/zanu-pf-not-part-of-aug-1-commemorations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

ZANU PF Not Interested In August 1 Killings Memorial

MDC president, Nelson Chamisa, said that Zimbabweans do not need him to call for a demonstration against the continued deterioration in the country’s economy.
Speaking to the Daily News on Sunday, Chamisa said:
<blockquote>People don’t need Chamisa to tell them that the situation at home is unbearable. People don’t need Chamisa to tell them that medical bills are almost beyond the reach of many. Relatives are dying; friends are dying on account of a situation.
We don’t need a signal under those circumstances. The economy itself is a signal that we must do something and what we must do must be peaceful and constitutional and the Constitution has self-correcting mechanisms; a mechanism of ensuring where government or people who call themselves leaders are not performing are brought to account and that is what Zimbabwe must do.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the government has warned future protestors that it will not hesitate to use the army to quell any civil disobedience.
Addressing a gathering of war veterans and war collaborators in Gweru over the weekend, deputy minister of Defence, Victor Matemadanda said:
<blockquote>The Constitution that we wrote together allows us to send soldiers and they don’t use minimum force; they don’t know it — they are trained to kill so be forewarned and stay at home lest you be caught in the crossfire: so run away when protests start.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/07/29/people-will-protest-on-their-own-chamisa-as-mdc-remembers-aug-1-victims" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

Chamisa Says He Will Not Tell People To Demonstrate

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1110917676317196288" rel="noopener" target="_blank">says</a> more than 30 Harare residents were on Wednesday set free after they were removed from remand by Magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.
This follows ZLHR Lawyers’ challenge in the delay of commencement of their trial since August 2018 when the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) arrested and charged them with public violence over election results protest.
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2017/06/20/magistrate-dismisses-charges-against-51-anti-mugabe-shutdown-protestors/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Magistrate dismisses charges against 51 anti-government protesters for #SHUTDOWNZIM2016</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>

Harare Magistrate Frees Thirty August 1 'Protestors' - ZLHR

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been criticised for being inconsistent and untruthful when handling issues with the public, especially regarding the August 1, 2018, and January 2019 killings.
The Daily News editor castigates Mnangagwa for his “bolt-from-the-blue admission” of deploying the army. The report reads in part:
<blockquote>He … admitted to deploying the army in January, during a three-day stay-away organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, in which more than a dozen unarmed civilians died.
Mnangagwa’s bolt-from-the-blue admission, which came via a notice read out in Parliament by Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, really took many by surprise because speculation at the time of the killings wrongly suggested the deployments had been ordered by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Interestingly, despite the fact that the general public was wrongly accusing his deputy of illegally deploying the army onto the streets of Harare to suppress post-election demonstrations, Mnangagwa never set the record straight. Instead, he set up a Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 post-election violence.
The assumption at the time was that Mnangagwa set up the inquiry in a bid to provide answers to at least two questions that were on everybody’s lips: Who ordered the army onto the streets of Harare to deal with the violent demonstrations and who pulled the trigger on defenceless civilians?</blockquote>
<h3>Related:</h3>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/14/president-mnangagwa-belatedly-notifies-parliament-of-soldiers-on-august-1-2018/">Mnangagwa Belatedly Notifies Parliament On Deployment Of Soldiers On August 1 2018</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/14/mnangagwa-notifies-parliament-of-decision-to-deploy-army-in-january/">Mnangagwa Notifies Parliament Of Decision To Deploy Army In January</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/03/20/this-is-not-it-mr-president">Daily News</a>

This Is Not How To Do Things Mr President - Daily News Editor

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday belatedly notified the Parliament of his decision to, and the reasons for deploying the army in August 2018 and January 2019 to put down protests that broke out in Harare and across the country respectively.
The notice was read on his behalf in Parliament by the leader of government business in Parliament, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
He said in both cases, proper procedures were followed in the deployment of security forces to deal with protestors.
The August 1 protests in Harare’s CBD resulted in the death of 7 people from gunshot wounds, and a Commission of Inquiry established to look into the events concluded that the army was responsible for the killings.
The January riots ignited by a fuel price hike in the killing of 18 people according to human rights groups. Hundreds more were seriously injured.
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/08/mthuli-blames-mugabe-for-januarys-brutal-crackdown-on-civilians/">Mthuli Blames Mugabe For January’s Brutal Crackdown On Intense Protest</a></h4>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/18/govt-should-compensate-august-1-victims-and-dependents-of-the-deceased-motlanthe-commission/">Govt Should Compensate August 1 Victims And Dependents Of The Deceased- Motlanthe Commission</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/24/mnangagwa-authorised-deployment-of-soldiers-that-killed-demonstrators-on-august-1/">Mnangagwa Authorised Deployment Of Soldiers That Killed Demonstrators On August 1</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/august-and-january-rioters-were-criminals-mnangagwa/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Mnangagwa Belatedly Notifies Parliament On Deployment Of Soldiers On August 1 2018

Correspondence attached to the recently published Commission of Inquiry final report on the August 1 killing of six people in Harare show that President Emmerson Mnangagwa was aware of and authorised the deployment.
The report compiled by the Kgalema Motlanthe-led inquiry points at the army and the police as having fired the fatal shots that claimed the lives of six Zimbabweans. Some of the letters annexed to the report show that government started preparations for deployment of police and the army on July 29, a day before Election Day. The paperwork shows that on August 1, police commissioner-general Godwin Matanga wrote to then minister of Home Affairs Obert Mpofu, making reference to a letter dated July 29 seeking military intervention following demonstrations.
In his letter to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Mpofu also refers to the July 29 letter from Matanga as he pleaded for military intervention. Chiwenga, who at the time held the Defence ministry portfolio wrote to Mnangagwa seeking permission to deploy the army and relayed the response from the President to the Defence Forces. After writing to Mnangagwa, Chiwenga then wrote to the commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Philip Valerio Sibanda. Said Chiwenga:
<blockquote>…the President as commander-in-chief of Defence Forces has authorised the deployment of the Defence Forces, in support of the Police Service in the maintenance of public order. Accordingly, as sanctioned by law, I hereby direct you to command the Defence Forces to immediately deploy and assist the Zimbabwe Republic Police Service to quell the violent disturbances in Harare Central Police district and other areas within Harare Metropolitan province.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2018/12/24/ed-okayed-army-deployment">Daily News</a>

Mnangagwa Authorised Deployment Of Soldiers That Killed Demonstrators On August 1

Lying under oath, or perjury is a serious offence. People who are charged with perjury may face a variety of severe legal ramifications if they are convicted. Some of these legal consequences may include having to spend time in jail, probation, or paying fines to the court. It can also interfere with their ability to obtain employment or security clearance, as they will be convicted of a crime of dishonesty.
What will happen now to the army and police commanders who lied under oath before the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry? According to a Newsday report, it has been proven that the Commanders lied to the Commission. Police Commissioner Godwin Matanga told the commission that
<blockquote>I received a letter from President Mnangagwa approving the deployment of the soldiers. I have a copy of that letter, and I will be willing to provide it to the commission.</blockquote>
However, the Commission report shows that six letters were written, one signed by officer commanding Harare district, Chief Superintendent Albert Ncube, requesting for the assistance of the military to Matanga, who then wrote to the then Home Affairs minister Obert Mpofu, who, in turn, wrote to the then Defence Minister and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.
In another case of perjury, commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/11/13/general-sibanda-says-he-received-orders-verbally-from-chiwenga-not-mnangagwa/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> told the commission that his orders to deploy soldiers on Agust 1 came from Chiwenga and that he had received them verbally and no letter had been written</a>. He told the Commission that
<blockquote>I saw a letter from Commissioner-General of police to the Minister of Home Affairs (then Obert Mpofu), then a letter from the Minister of Home Affairs to the Minister of Defence (then Chiwenga), then a letter from Minister of Defence to the President, requesting assistance from the army. I do not know if the President responded to the letter from the Defence minister. I assume there was verbal communication, I received orders from the Minister of Defence verbally to deploy the military to help the police, there were no written orders to deploy.</blockquote>
The Commission report, however, reveals a trail of written correspondence between the commanders. Both the police and the army denied shooting at fleeing protestors but instead blamed the MDC Vanguard for killing civilians. The report proved that the army and police lied.
<blockquote>The commission has not received any concrete evidence that any persons other than the army and the police used guns during the protests on the 1st of August 2018.</blockquote>
<h2>Related:</h2>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/19/army-police-shot-and-killed-protestors-on-august-1-not-mdc-vanguard-motlanthe-report/">Army, Police Shot And Killed Protestors On August 1, Not MDC Vanguard – Motlanthe Report</a></h3>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/11/16/govt-insists-august-1-killers-are-not-in-the-army/">August 1 Killers Are Not In The Army Or Govt: Nick Mangwana</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2018/12/army-police-commanders-lied-under-oath/">Newsday</a></h3>
<h3></h3>

Military, Police Commanders Lied Under Oath Before Motlanthe Commission

Zanu PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo told Business Times that it will study the findings of the Kgalema Mothlante Commission and come up with a position.
Said Khaya Moyo:
<blockquote>We are going to study the report as the party leadership, and we may have to issue a party position but we can’t do that without going through the report.</blockquote>
However, MDC Alliance rejected the Motlanthe Commission report in its entirety.
More: <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/zanu-pf-to-study-post-election-violence-report/">Business Times </a>

Zanu-PF To Study Motlanthe Commission Report

The MDC notes the release into the public domain the report of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Violence of 1 August 2018, which report has confirmed what we all knew that the military shot innocent Zimbabweans on that fateful day.
With respect it was just a public relations show for Zanu PF, we reject the report in its entirety but sadly for Zimbabwe we are back to square zero.
The MDC is a peaceful organization which must be applauded for resisting unconstitutional means of redress despite years of suffering. Any attempt to blame the victims in the report is a clear ploy of equalization.
As we have always predicted, the outcomes of the commission are clearly bound on whitewashing the killing of unarmed innocent civilians by soldiers and create a climate of impunity for such killings while equating the victim with the perpetrator.
The Commission was compromised so it could not therefore finger those whole stole power .Justice has not been done, victims are turning in their graves, families have been insulted and millions of tax payers’ money have been wasted.
It was a waste of time, resources and a lost opportunity to move the country forward. A lost opportunity to save Zimbabweans from the above situation.
In the preamble of the report, the Commission recognizes that what was at stake was the direction that Zimbabwe is supposed to take. It was therefore incumbent upon the commission to outline a pathway that would take Zimbabwe out of a culture of violence which clearly dominates the national political space. 
The commission also had an opportunity to contribute to Nation Building, laying a foundation for transitional justice and setting the tone for National Healing.
More importantly the commission had an opportunity to deal with the issue of militarization of the Zimbabwean State as well as setting a foundation for electoral sustainability as a pathway to constitutional democracy in Zimbabwe.
Sadly, the recommendations and the findings of the commission fall short of addressing the above as a result blowing the opportunity to answer the national question once and for all.
The unarmed civilians were killed to entrench ZANUPF in power immediately after a disputed election which we all know was won by MDC President Nelson Chamisa. We are therefore not deceived by the effort of President Mnangagwa to create a sense of urgency in releasing the report.
While the commission correctly locates the soldiers as responsible for the people’s deaths on the 1st of August, the report attempts to put blame on the MDC for organizing a demonstration and planning violence while also falsely claiming that the protestors were armed, something that cannot be confirmed using any of the available video footage including recordings of international media.
There is a shocking recommendation that the soldiers and the police are supposed to investigate themselves despite the fact that the military personnel who were interviewed by the Commission denied any wrong doing.
Is it is ironic that the Commission expects the people who have already exonerated themselves to lead their own investigation.
It is also ironic that when death occurs through the hand of an individual it is murder which according to our laws must be dealt with through the justice delivery system entailing a trial of the suspects at the High Court yet the commission recommends an internal investigation by the murderers.
The report shockingly claims that the law was followed in the deployment of the army basing their arguments on POSA when the constitution outlines how deployment must take place. Once the Commission found that the law was followed it ought to have placed responsibility squarely on the deploying authority in this case Mr. Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
We restate that the Terms of Reference were problematic in that they were judgmental and couched as a witch hunt in a way that could result in immunity for those who killed unarmed civilians in the full glare of the public; international community and; those who commanded them to do so.
A number of the Commissioners appointed had issues of potential bias and conflict of interest that our President Nelson Chamisa and his team adequately explained before the COI. They were compromised in a way that made these findings fairly predictable.
This is why the COI tries faint heartedly and suggests that campaign speeches of the MDC heightened tensions and contributed to violence. The MDC supporters have been recipients of gratuitous violence from both Zanu PF and the state as these two institutions are unfortunately conflated.
The conflation of Zanu PF and the state in the history of Zimbabwe has resulted in the unfortunate systemic and serial killing of civilians seen as opposition from immediately after independence to now. The Gukurahundi experiences in the 80s; the targeting of white farmers and hundreds of thousands of farm workers in the early 2000s; Operation Murambatsvina (drive away the filth) in 2005 that left more than 1.5 million people homeless; post-election violence in 2008 with widespread and systematic extra-judicial killings are some of the examples of the result of this conflation of party and state.
This is why the Commission ends up finding that the election was free and fair despite all evidence to the contrary that had been presented to them specifically from credible election observer missions.
The deliberate failure or omission to implement the constitution is part of a process that Zanu PF uses to reduce our electoral process into a charade meant to use electoral democracy as an instrument to acquire state power and place it at the hands of a small cabal that has conflated security, executive and economic power to the detriment of Zimbabwe’s development.
In short the report has several contradictions, it waters down its own findings for the purposes of exonerating the ruling elite from doing.
And even worse the report was released by a subject of the investigation thereby bringing doubts on whether it wasn’t doctored. The accused in essence read his own judgement and expects the victims to be satisfied.
Jacob Mafume 
MDC National Spokesperson

Full Text: MDC Rejects Motlanthe Commission Report In Its Entirety

When contacted for comment by VOA, MDC dismissed the Motlanthe Commission report’s findings that it instigated the violence.
The Motlanthe Commissiob report says the MDC led by Nelson Chamisa sparked the violence, that resulted in the August 1 incident and involvement of the army and the police. Part of the report reads:
<blockquote>Speeches made by political leaders, mostly the MDC Alliance, before and after the elections, heightened tensions and played a part in inciting some members of the public to protest,” noted the report. “During the pre-election rallies, the MDC Alliance had taken a position that if their presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa, did not win the election, they would protest. A threat that they implemented.</blockquote>
However MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume said the report fails to name one person shot by the party nor does it mention members of the party who took part in the protests. Mafume said his party is still going through the report.Said Mafume:
<blockquote>We are surprised that the report says we caused the violence, but they didn’t name even one person shot by the MDC, they haven’t even mentioned one member of the MDC who was even there, they are only referring to speeches that were made at rallies.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/commission-implicates-police-army-mdc-in-zimbabwe-post-election-violence/4706411.html">VOA</a>

MDC Dismisses Motlanthe Commission Report That It Caused Violence

The Motlanthe Commission has recommended that Government should compensate victims of the August 1 violence and dependents of the deceased.
The Commission was established by Mnangagwa on September 19 to look into the circumstances that led to the shooting and killing of civilians in Harare CBD on August 1. It also recommended the setting up of a special committee to assess  and determine quantum of damages and compensation to be awarded to victims on a case by case basis. The recommendations read:
<blockquote>a. The payment of compensation is recommended for all victims of the violence and dependents of the deceased. Where the deceased had young children, they should be urgently assisted with school fees and their general welfare.
b. The Government should put in place a special committee to assess and determine quantum of damages and compensation to be awarded to victims on a case by case basis.
c. The Government should set up a fund to assist those directly affected.
d. There is urgent need to avail medical support to all the injured such as Simeon Chipokosa who still has a bullet lodged in his leg and Adriane Munjere who requires physiotherapy for his hand.</blockquote>
<hr/>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/10/19/man-whose-wife-was-gunned-down-on-agust-1-gives-military-30-day-ultimatum-to-pay-compensation/" rel="bookmark">Man Whose Wife Was Gunned Down On August 1 Gives Military 30-Day Ultimatum To Pay Compensation</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>

Govt Should Compensate August 1 Victims And Dependents Of The Deceased- Motlanthe Commission

Human Rights groups have called for security sector reforms in the wake of the shooting and killing of fleeing civilians by security forces on August 1 in central Harare. The army has rejected culpability before the Motlanthe Commission.
The army has, in the past, been blamed for gross human rights violations most of which are election-related. The army and other state security organs have strenuously rejected the accusations.
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum’s Blessing Gorejena told a Southern African Political and Economic Series (Sapes) discussion on Thursday that the army remains the elephant in the room as the government has continued to shield it from scrutiny. Gorejena had this to say
<blockquote>The inquiry should probably help give insights into how Zimbabwe can deal with the continued excessive use of force by the military. It is not happening for the first time because if you look at the major violent incidences over the years, the military has been identified as a key, if not the main player, in those violations.
For the past 20 years or even in the period before this, the hand of the military in all violent epochs is clear. We have taken cases to court and in all the army has been found as having violated the rights of citizens. One of those cases resulted in the disbandment of the SADC Tribunal which found in our favour with government clearly shielding perpetrators. The elephant in the room is not something that is very secret to us.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights executive director Roselyn Hanzi said senior figures in the country’s security sector who gave evidence before the Motlanthe-led commission blatantly lied under oath.
<blockquote>We were concerned about the conduct of some of the officials who appeared before the commission and its failure to call them to order. There was a lack of accountability on the part of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. In the past, there are numerous cases in which the military has been taken to court for violating citizens’ rights. In many of the cases, victims would not be able to directly identify the perpetrators but could link them through uniforms or vehicles used. The stance of the Ministry of Defence has always been to deny even where there is evidence… This needs to be worked on going forward for us to have a professional defence force that is subject to the dictates of the Constitution…</blockquote>
<h2>Read Also</h2>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/11/12/chiwenga-did-not-order-august-1-killings-justice-minister/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chiwenga Did Not Order August 1 Killings: Justice Minister</a></h3>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/11/16/govt-insists-august-1-killers-are-not-in-the-army/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">August 1 Killers Are Not In The Army Or Govt: Nick Mangwana</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2018/12/security-sector-reform-back-on-the-agenda/" rel="noopener" style="font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem;" target="_blank">Newsday</a>

Human Rights Groups Call For Security Sector Reform In The Aftermath Of August 1 Shootings

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Timo Olkkonen condemned the August 1 post-election shootings which killed six people and wounded several others in Harare.
Olkkonen said the post-poll violence overshadowed an election process which was predominantly peaceful. He however praised the setting up of the Commission of Inquiry and said the EU is waiting for the report. Said Olkkonen:
<blockquote>The August 1st event and the killing of innocent people was obviously a disappointment after an electoral process that had been very peaceful and very positive aspects compared to previous elections. The move of instituting a commission of inquiry to find out the real reasons why this was allowed to happen, who the perpetrators are, was a positive step. Having the international involvement was also to enforce the independence of the commission. So like everyone, we are obviously waiting for the report and to see what the findings are and we expect that positive steps would be taken depending on the outcome of the findings</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://263chat.com/august-1-killings-a-huge-disappointment-eu/">263Chat</a>

August 1 Killings A Disappointment After A Peaceful Election- EU

In an interview with State owned media, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba revealed why President Mnangagwa did not publicise the executive summary he received from the Motlanthe commission into the August 1 shootings.
The Motlanthe Commission submitted an executive summary to Mnangagwa last Thursday and there were promises that the final report would be released last Saturday. Charamba said Mnangagwa did not publicise the executive summary because it will be completely wrong and in fact misleading to try and submit to public view what is only an executive summary. He also said the executive summary was for the President only. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>We took a deliberate decision not to publicise the executive report because definitionally that was for the President’s eyes and in any case, the main report is what matters to the extent that it handles substantively the observations of the Commission as well as the recommendations. So, in the absence of the main report it will be completely wrong and in fact misleading to try and submit to public view what is only an executive summary. It’s important to disabuse the members of the public, including those political groups that have been agitating around the Commission’s actions – that the report is for the President who must receive it, read it and on the basis of his own judgement decides how it will be used.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-not-obliged-to-share-commission-report/">Chronicle</a>

Charamba Reveals Why Mnangagwa Did Not Publicise Motlanthe Commission Executive Summary

Human rights lawyer and opposition politician David Coltart has said that if President Emmmerson Mnangagwa does not release the Motlanthe Commission report it will be a confirmation he is guilty.
The Commission was established by Mnangagwa on September 19 to look into the circumstances that led to the shooting and killing of civilians in Harare CBD on August 1. President Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba said the report is meant for Mnangagwa, and he has the discretion to make it public or not. However, writing on microblogging website Twitter, Coltart said not releasing the report is not only a breach promise but confirmation of guilt. Said Coltart:
<blockquote>“Motlanthe Commission report for Mnangagwa’s eyes only” writes the herald today. Aside from the breach of promise that this would be made public it is the surest confirmation of guilt if it isn’t published.</blockquote>
<hr/>
<h4>Also Read:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/03/mwonzora-urges-mnangagwa-to-make-public-motlanthe-commission-report/">Mwonzora Urges Mnangagwa To Make Public Motlanthe Commission Report</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/03/motlanthe-inquiry-secretary-says-that-commission-relied-post-mortem-results-in-compiling-report/" rel="bookmark">Motlanthe Inquiry Secretary Says That Commission Relied On Post-Mortem Results In Compiling Report</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/03/charamba-admits-manyeruke-is-a-zanu-pf-supporter-justifies-her-appointment-as-commissioner/" rel="bookmark">Charamba Admits Manyeruke Is A Zanu-PF Supporter, Justifies Her Appointment As Commissioner</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>

Not Releasing Motlanthe Commission Report Is Confirmation Of Guilt And Breach Of Promise By Mnangagwa- David Coltart

MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to make public the Motlanthe Commission report. The Commission was established by Mnangagwa on September 19 to look into the circumstances that led to the shooting and killing of civilians in Harare CBD on August 1. President Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/12/03/mnangagwa-not-compelled-to-release-motlanthe-commission-report-to-the-public-george-charamba/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> said that the report is meant for Mnangagwa, and he alone can decide on whether to make it public or not</a>. But Mwonzora, writing on microblogging site Twitter today, said
<blockquote>We hope the comments by George Charamba in the Herald do suggest that <a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link js-nav" data-mentioned-user-id="447895686" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/edmnangagwa"><s>@</s>edmnangagwa</a> will not make the Motlanthe Commission report public. The people deserve to read the report and make their own conclusions.</blockquote>
https://twitter.com/DMwonzora/status/1069461068555214850

August 1 Killings Latest News

Latest Jobs