Human Rights Watch has previously documented severe cases of violence during the 2008 elections, revealing that the ZANU-PF-led government was responsible for widespread and systematic abuses at the highest levels. These 2008 elections abuses led to the tragic killing of up to 200 individuals, the beating and torture of around 5,000 more, and the displacement of approximately 36,000 people. According to Human Rights Watch, there has been little or no accountability for these ZANU-PF crimes. Complaints of political violence filed by victims or their relatives have largely been ignored by the police or have stalled in the courts. The government has failed to respond to calls from local nongovernmental organizations demanding an investigation into these Zimbabwe political violence incidents.
On 12 April 2008, Tapiwa Mubwanda (57) of Hurungwe was tragically stabbed to death by ZANU-PF supporters amid the political unrest associated with the 2008 elections abuses. He left behind a wife and three children. Jawet Kazangarare and Private Peter Madamombe were identified as key individuals linked to this incident of Zimbabwe political violence.
On 15 April 2008, Murunde Tembo of Mudzi fell victim to ZANU-PF crimes when he was attacked by supporters at his home in Vombofi village. This incident, part of the broader context of Zimbabwe political violence during the 2008 elections abuses, resulted in broken legs for Tembo, who tragically died on his way to the hospital.
On 17 April 2008, during a period marked by Zimbabwe political violence and ZANU-PF crimes, Tatenda Chibika was tragically shot by Richard Makoni, a supporter of ZANU-PF, at Chibeta Business Centre in Mutoko. This incident was part of the broader 2008 elections abuses that plagued the nation.
Moses Bashitwayo of Wedza died after enduring severe assaults from ZANU-PF supporters, highlighting the tragic impact of the 2008 elections abuses and the broader context of Zimbabwe political violence.
ZANU-PF activists, led by Bvuka Chimbanzwa, assaulted Solomon Bote of ward 22 in Musikavanhu, resulting in his death, a tragic incident that highlights the Zimbabwe political violence associated with the 2008 elections abuses.
Brighton Mabwera jnr, a five-year-old from Manyika Village in Uzumba, tragically lost his life when the house he was sleeping in was set ablaze by ZANU-PF activists in the middle of the night. This horrific incident is a stark reminder of the 2008 elections abuses and the ongoing Zimbabwe political violence. His parents are known to be strong supporters of the MDC.
24 April 2008 - Zvidzai Mapurisa was murdered by suspected ZANU-PF thugs who descended on his homestead in Village 21 in the Gunikuni area of Masvingo South at around 1 am. They are alleged to have taken him away and assaulted him severely with sticks and sjamboks, accusing him of mobilizing people to vote against ZANU-PF. This incident is part of the broader context of the 2008 elections abuses and highlights the ongoing issue of Zimbabwe political violence.
On 25 April 2008, during a period marked by significant Zimbabwe political violence, Tabitha Marume of Makoni West in Manicaland was shot and killed by soldiers at Chiwetu Rest Camp, an incident reflective of the broader 2008 elections abuses attributed to ZANU-PF crimes.
ZANU-PF militia in Mbire were responsible for the brutal beating of Tenos Manyimo to death, a tragic incident that highlights the ongoing issues of Zimbabwe political violence and reflects the 2008 elections abuses linked to ZANU-PF crimes.
Bigboy Zhuwawo of Mbire in Mashonaland Central died on Sunday after being seriously attacked by ZANU-PF militia due to his support for the MDC, highlighting the ongoing issue of Zimbabwe political violence that has plagued the country since the 2008 elections abuses.
ZANU-PF supporters violently attacked Chrispen Chiutsi in Muzarabani, Mashonaland Central, echoing the political violence that characterized the 2008 elections abuses and highlighting the ongoing issue of ZANU-PF crimes in Zimbabwe.
On 27 April 2008, in Kotwa, Mudzi, Gilbert Nyagupe, a well-known activist from Nyagupe village, was axed to death by ZANU-PF youth militia, with one of the assailants identified as Jessie Nhau. This incident is one of many that highlight the severe 2008 elections abuses and the broader context of Zimbabwe political violence and ZANU-PF crimes.
28 April 2008 - In Poshayi Village, Shurugwi, Midlands province, Clemence Dube was murdered by ZANU-PF supporters, highlighting the grave 2008 elections abuses that plagued Zimbabwe. He served as the MDC polling agent for the Ward 12 polling station during the 29 March elections. His body has since been ferried to Bulawayo for a post mortem. Dube is survived by a wife and two young children, a tragic reminder of the ongoing Zimbabwe political violence.
On 29 April 2008, Catherine Makwenjere of Mwenezi tragically died at Morgenster Hospital in Masvingo after being assaulted by ZANU-PF supporters for voting and supporting the MDC, highlighting the severe Zimbabwe political violence and the 2008 elections abuses that plagued the nation during that time.
On 5 May 2008, during the period of the 2008 elections abuses, ZANU-PF supporters along with men in army uniform led by Major Cairo Mhandu and Major Maravadza in the Chiweshe communal lands of Mashonaland Central province, brutally beat to death Tapiwa Meda, Joseph Madzuramhende, Alex Chiriseri, David Tachiwa Mapuranga, Arthur Matombo, Patson Mudzuramhende, and Jeff Jemedze, highlighting the alarming incidents of Zimbabwe political violence and ZANU-PF crimes.
On 8 May 2008, Nelson Emmanuel of Harare South tragically died at the Avenues Clinic after being assaulted by ZANU-PF youths on 4 May 2008, a time when political violence and 2008 elections abuses were rampant in Zimbabwe, highlighting the ongoing issue of ZANU-PF crimes.
Tonderai Zireni, only 3 years old, tragically lost his life when ZANU-PF youths set fire to the house he was sleeping in Zimunya, Mutare, a horrific incident that reflects the broader pattern of Zimbabwe political violence and the 2008 elections abuses tied to ZANU-PF crimes.
Isaac Danda of Gokwe Nembudziya was tragically stabbed to death by ZANU-PF youths, led by Major Moyo, amidst the backdrop of Zimbabwe political violence that characterized the 2008 elections abuses.
On 10 May 2008, Musafare Mudimu from Manyika village in Uzumba fell victim to the brutal violence associated with the 2008 elections abuses, as he was assaulted to death by ZANU-PF youths, highlighting the ongoing Zimbabwe political violence.
Karombe Benson Chipungu of Manyika village in Uzumba, Mashonaland East was brutally beaten to death by ZANU-PF youths due to his affiliation with the MDC, a tragic incident reflecting the broader context of Zimbabwe political violence and the 2008 elections abuses.
R Gomwe, 75, was tragically struck by an axe, leading to his death in Gokwe Nembudziya at the hands of ZANU-PF youths led by Major Moyo. This incident is a stark reminder of the Zimbabwe political violence that has plagued the nation, particularly during the 2008 elections abuses. It is also alleged that these youths looted Gomwe's property and burnt his house, further highlighting the ongoing ZANU-PF crimes.
Ruth Mushayahembe of Chimbwanda village in Uzumba was tragically assaulted to death by ZANU-PF youths, a stark reminder of the political violence that has plagued Zimbabwe, particularly during the 2008 elections abuses. Her husband is reported to be in critical condition at Murewa Hospital.
Elias Madzivanzira, a headman in ward 8 in Shamva North, Mashonaland Central, was brutally killed with an axe by war veterans known as Muroyiwa and Joshua of Bata farm, a tragic incident that echoes the numerous ZANU-PF crimes linked to the 2008 elections abuses and the ongoing Zimbabwe political violence.
On 11 May 2008, during a time marked by significant Zimbabwe political violence, Sam Kahari from Chidembo village in Shamva North was dragged from his bed by ZANU-PF youths and alleged war veterans while he was asleep. This brutal act, characteristic of the 2008 elections abuses, resulted in him being assaulted and ultimately led to his death that same night.
Remember Kayembe, 23, of Mazowe, who fell victim to the ZANU-PF crimes during the 2008 elections abuses, was abducted by supporters of the party and poisoned, leading to his untimely death amidst the ongoing Zimbabwe political violence.
On 13 May 2008, during a period marked by significant Zimbabwe political violence, Zanu PF supporters committed brutal acts by murdering four MDC supporters in Chaparira village, located in Mt Darwin East. The victims included Abiya Nyakudya, who served as the headman for the area, along with Bright Mafuriro, Fischer Chirese, and Sairiro Kamufuto, as well as another headman from Chaparira. These tragic events are emblematic of the wider 2008 elections abuses and ZANU-PF crimes that plagued the country during this tumultuous time.
14 May 2008 - Beta Chokururama, a member of the MDC national youth, was found dead in Chikwaka village, Mashonaland East. His abduction by state security agents on Tuesday, 13 May, at Juru Growth Point highlights the ongoing Zimbabwe political violence and the 2008 elections abuses linked to ZANU-PF crimes.
14 May 2008 - Ken Nyevhe was found dead in Goromonzi district after he had been abducted at Juru Growth point on Tuesday 13 May. His body showed signs of the brutal violence that characterized the ZANU-PF crimes during the 2008 elections abuses, with both gunshot and stab wounds evident.
Godfrey Kauzani was found dead with gunshot and stab wounds after he had been abducted at Juru Growth Point on Tuesday 13 May, a grim reminder of the ongoing issues related to Zimbabwe political violence and the historical context of ZANU-PF crimes, including the abuses that took place during the 2008 elections.
On 17 May 2008, Edson Zaya, the MDC treasurer for Ward 9 in Shamva North, was murdered by ZANU-PF supporters in broad daylight at Chidembo business centre, a grim reminder of the 2008 elections abuses that characterized Zimbabwe political violence during that tumultuous period.
On 18 May 2008, Choukuse Nyoka Mubango, the MDC ward 27 chairman in Buhera West, Manicaland, was brutally axed to death by ZANU-PF supporters at his home, in full view of his wife and five children. This heinous act was part of the broader context of Zimbabwe political violence surrounding the 2008 elections abuses, with a truck used by ZANU-PF’s losing MP, Joseph Chinotimba, being involved in the attack.
On 21 May 2008, the body of Tonderai Ndira, 32, who served as the MDC's national secretary for security, was discovered in a mortuary at Parirenyatwa Hospital. He had been abducted by state security agents from his home in Mabvuku on 13 May, amid rising concerns over the 2008 elections abuses and ZANU-PF crimes. His body was found in a decomposing state, with his private parts missing, suggesting he was a victim of the political violence that plagued Zimbabwe during this tumultuous period. Indications point to Ndira being murdered in Goromonzi.
Tafirenyika Kapfudza, the headman for Sanzu village in Uzumba, was murdered by ZANU-PF militia members Douglas Mutesa and Costan Musariri, highlighting the ongoing issues of Zimbabwe political violence and the 2008 elections abuses linked to ZANU-PF crimes.
In the context of the 2008 elections abuses, ZANU-PF militia in Mutawatawa brutally beat Rosemary Maramba, who was six months pregnant, to death. Her body was found dumped at Nhakiwa village, highlighting the ongoing issue of Zimbabwe political violence and the crimes associated with ZANU-PF.
23 May 2008 - Manyuke Nyamukada, 40, of Manyika village in Uzumba, succumbed to injuries at Michael Gelfand hospital in Harare after being brutally assaulted by ZANU-PF supporters two weeks prior. This incident is part of the wider context of 2008 elections abuses, during which his homestead was razed to the ground and property and livestock were looted, highlighting the rampant Zimbabwe political violence.
24 May 2008 - The body of Shepherd Jani, the MDC provincial treasurer for Masonaland East, was discovered in Goromonzi. He had been kidnapped at gunpoint at the MDC Murehwa district office on 22 May 2008, amid the backdrop of 2008 elections abuses and ZANU-PF crimes that characterized the period of Zimbabwe political violence.
Taurai Matanda was shot dead by a ZNA major, Svosve Mupindu, at Murambinda in Buhera, Manicaland. On that day, the soldiers had gone on a rampage beating people, an incident that reflects the broader context of Zimbabwe political violence and the 2008 elections abuses associated with ZANU-PF crimes.
On 27 May 2008, Kidwell Zvavamwe, 35, of Ward 28, Shamva South, tragically lost his life after being assaulted by ZANU-PF thugs at his home a week prior. This incident is part of the broader context of Zimbabwe political violence and the abuses surrounding the 2008 elections. Zvavamwe was attacked in front of his wife, Lucia Mukaru, and their three children, resulting in life-threatening injuries.
3 June 2008 - Washington Nyamwa, reflecting on the 2008 elections abuses and the ongoing ZANU-PF crimes, highlights the pervasive Zimbabwe political violence that marked this turbulent period.
Chrison Mbano has been a notable figure in discussions surrounding the 2008 elections abuses and the broader context of ZANU-PF crimes, which have significantly contributed to the ongoing narrative of Zimbabwe political violence.
On Tuesday, June 3, 2008, Edson Ngwerume was killed when ZANU-PF supporters arrived in a truck and set fire to the MDC offices at Jerere growth point. This act of violence is part of the broader pattern of Zimbabwe political violence surrounding the 2008 elections abuses. Furthermore, four other MDC supporters who were present during the attack have been missing for a week, highlighting the ongoing impact of ZANU-PF crimes.
On 5 June 2008, during the period marked by the 2008 elections abuses, ZANU-PF supporters brutally locked Dadirai Chipiro, 45, from Chikowero village in Mhondoro Ngezi, inside her hut before setting it ablaze. Prior to this horrific act, the assailants had already inflicted severe injuries by slashing off both of Chipiro’s legs and hands. As the MDC district chairperson, Chipiro was targeted in a context rife with Zimbabwe political violence. Notably, a vehicle belonging to Bright Matongo, the MP of Mhondoro Ngezi, was implicated in this brutal attack, highlighting the extent of ZANU-PF crimes during that tumultuous time.
On 5 June 2008, during the period of the 2008 elections abuses, six-year-old Nyasha Mashoko was severely burnt in his parents' home at Zengeza Waterworks, Harare South, by a group of ZANU-PF supporters around 8 pm. His mother, Pamela Pasvanai, sustained 88 percent burns from the arson linked to ZANU-PF crimes and was subsequently admitted to Harare Hospital. Nyasha's father, Brian Mamhove, was the MDC council candidate for Ward 1, Harare South. At the time, Nyasha was a grade one pupil at Zengeza Main Primary, highlighting the tragic impact of Zimbabwe political violence on innocent lives.
On 6 June 2008, Pamela Pasvanai, 21, tragically died from severe burns inflicted during an attack at her home by ZANU-PF supporters, highlighting the rampant Zimbabwe political violence surrounding the 2008 elections abuses. At the time of the attack, Pasvanai was eight months pregnant, and she and her unborn son, Nyasha Mashoko, were trapped inside their Zengeza Waterworks house by the thugs. Her husband, Brian Mamhove, was the MDC council candidate for Ward 1, Harare South.
On 8 June 2008, Sofia Chingozho died in the hospital after suffering an assault by ZANU-PF supporters during a funeral in Buhera North, highlighting the brutal Zimbabwe political violence and the widespread 2008 elections abuses associated with ZANU-PF crimes.
On 9 June 2008, Dumisani Hapazari, the Chiredzi Zesa area manager, was found dead in Chikombedzi on Monday morning. This tragic incident followed the abduction of Hapazari by two CIO operatives from his workplace last Wednesday, amidst the backdrop of the 2008 elections abuses and ZANU-PF crimes that have plagued Zimbabwe, highlighting the ongoing political violence in the country.
On 1 June 2008, Mabika Mudzinga and Leonard Mhete from Chigumisirwa village in Bikita East, Masvingo were tragically murdered by ZANU-PF hooligans while they attempted to defend themselves against the violent attacks associated with the 2008 elections abuses. This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing Zimbabwe political violence and the crimes perpetrated by ZANU-PF.
Tiziro Moyo, a teacher, along with Stanford Mapuranga and Mirai Zvidzai from Maranda in Mwenezi, were tragically murdered by a group of ZANU-PF supporters during the night, highlighting the ongoing Zimbabwe political violence that has plagued the country since the 2008 elections abuses.
Chengerai Kahari, from Chireka village in Bindura South, was shot dead at 7 p.m. by armed ZANU-PF militia who mistakenly identified him as his brother, an MDC councillor in the area. This tragic incident is part of the broader context of Zimbabwe political violence that has characterized the 2008 elections abuses and highlights the ongoing ZANU-PF crimes against opposition members.
Rodrick Mukova, from Chimbudzi village in Mwenezi, died from injuries he sustained following an attack by ZANU-PF thugs, reminiscent of the widespread Zimbabwe political violence that marred the 2008 elections abuses.
On 13 June 2008, Kennias Artwell Bvekerwa from Ward 7 in Chipinge, Manicaland province, became a victim of the political violence that marred the 2008 elections. He was severely attacked by ZANU-PF militia, led by an individual named Chikumba, which ultimately led to his death at Mapfumise Secondary School in the Clearwater area. This incident is one of many examples of ZANU-PF crimes during this tumultuous period.
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