In a joint statement released on Tuesday, Amnesty International, Southern Defenders, and Human Rights Watch have urged Zimbabwean authorities to take immediate action in addressing the surge in abductions and arbitrary detentions.
“Zimbabwean authorities must immediately address the escalating cases of abductions, arbitrary detention, torture and killing of parliament members, opposition political activists, and human rights defenders,” said the statement.
The recent statement addressing the disappearance, abduction, and torture of main opposition parliamentarians and political activists is a reflection of the alarming situation prevailing in the country’s political landscape.
On November 13, Bishop Tapfumanei Masaya, a member of the main opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) was found dead after he was abducted on Saturday during a political campaign in Harare. Masaya’s family said his body had signs of torture. On November 14, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said it is conducting an investigation on the circumstances surrounding Masaya’s death.
On November 1, Takudzwa Ngadziore, main opposition member of parliament was abducted, tortured and dumped about 50 km north of Harare. Ngadziore recorded himself on Facebook Live describing that he was being chased by armed man.
On October 23, James Chidhakwa, a former opposition member of parliament was abducted, tortured and then dumped in Acturus.
On September 2, Womberaiishe Nhende, the elected councillor for main opposition party and activist Sonele Mukhuhlani were allegedly abducted and tortured before being dumped on the outskirts of Harare.
On August 3, Tinashe Chitsunge, a CCC activist was reportedly stoned to death in Glen View South, Harare.
On August 26, Nelson Mukwenha an CCC activist was abducted, tortured and dumped on the outskirts of Harare.
On June 2022, Moreblessing Ali, main opposition activist was abducted, her body was found mutilated after missing for three weeks.
On May 2020, opposition member of parliament Joana Mamombe, Cecillia Chimbiri and opposition activist Netsai Marova, were arrested at a police roadblock in Harare, then disappeared from police custody. They were found tortured and abandoned in Bindura, 87km from Harare.
On July 2020, Tawanda Muchehiwa was abducted, tortured and for three days his whereabout were unknown, he was later dumped on the side of the road.
In 2019, 49 cases of abductions and torture were reported in Zimbabwe.
On March 2015, Itai Dzamara pro-democracy activist was abducted by five men while he was at a barber shop in Harare. Dzamara vanished without a trace, eight years later, after he was last seen they is no progress on the investigation.