Manipulation of Law for Political Power Persists in Post-Colonial Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe continues to grapple with the manipulation of law for political power, as evidenced by recent events involving the arrest and harassment of opposition members and activists. The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has condemned the arrest of students for peacefully protesting against corruption and economic deterioration on July 31, 2020. They denounce the abduction and torture of Tawanda Muchehiwa, the arrest of Panashe Sivindani for protesting, and the arrest of Methembe Msipha for moving around with a Zimbabwean flag.

Muchehiwa, who was abducted and tortured by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's 'Ferret Force', is being treated at a private clinic, with concerns that he may have been poisoned as he exhibits symptoms of acute renal failure. In Chegutu West, 8 MDC Alliance members are on the run as their homes are being stalked, and their families are being harassed to reveal their whereabouts, in the aftermath of the July 31 protests.

Why this matters: The ongoing manipulation of law for political power in Zimbabwe raises concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in the country. The harassment and arrest of opposition members and activists undermines the principles of free speech and peaceful protest, which are essential for a functioning democracy.

In a separate development, a prophetess named Juliet Masakanire is facing aggravated indecent assault charges for allegedly sexually molesting a female member of her church. She is accused of offering the victim temporary accommodation and then sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has made it mandatory to test all corpses handled at health institutions for COVID-19. In rural areas, every death is now being treated as a potential COVID-19 case, and community members are instructed to report sudden deaths to the police so that a Rapid Response Team can collect specimens.

Despite being declared the first elected head of state in Zimbabwe since Robert Mugabe's removal from power, President Emmerson Mnangagwa faces challenges from the opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, who insists he won the election and pledges to challenge the result. After six people were killed in a post-election crackdown by the military, Mnangagwa struck a conciliatory tone, vowing to be president for all Zimbabweans and stating that Chamisa would have a vital role to play in Zimbabwe's future. However, the recent events involving the arrest and harassment of opposition members and activists suggest that the manipulation of law for political power persists in post-colonial Zimbabwe.

Key Takeaways

• Zimbabwe's opposition members and activists face arrest, harassment, and abduction.
• Tawanda Muchehiwa was abducted and tortured, exhibiting symptoms of renal failure.
• A prophetess is accused of sexually assaulting a female church member.
• COVID-19 testing is mandatory for all corpses handled at health institutions.
• Mnangagwa faces challenges from opposition leader Chamisa, who claims election victory.