Denial of Bail at the Magistrates courts: In the month of February, we continued to witness the disturbing trend of the different levels of the judiciary playing good-cop bad-cop with peoples’ rights. The magistrate's courts consistently deny activists bail on flimsy reasons. After the victims languish, the High Court grants bail and attacks the magistrate's court for misdirecting themselves. Allan Moyo, 23, a University of Zimbabwe student arrested on the 7th of December 2020 was only granted bail at the high court on 19 February after spending over two months incarcerated. MDC-Alliance activists Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri were only granted bail at the high court on their latest charges of insulting police in central Harare. Makomborero Haruzivishe was denied bail on 20 February 2020 at the magistrates’ courts. Bail is a right and the continuous refusal to grant bail by lower courts to citizens perceived to be opposing the government, puts the courts in disrepute.
Selective Enforcement of Covid-19 Lockdown Regulations: On 1 February 2021, a Chinhoyi teenager was fined 15 000ZWL for violation of Covid-19 regulations. Thousands of citizens have also been arrested since the initial lockdown in March 2020. However, Zanu PF Politburo member and Bindura North legislator Kenneth Musanhi held a rally on January 27 and there was no punishment.
Killings: In Chakari Kadoma, an artisanal miner Timothy Mpofu was killed on the 12 of February by a RioZim Limited mine guard for trespassing.
Police Brutality: On 17 February Police allegedly fired several gunshots at an unarmed civilian Makomborero Haruzivishe before arresting him on kidnapping charges.
Mine disasters: Poverty and lack of employment have pushed many citizens into illegal mining in the hope of making quick cash to support their families. As poverty bites, Zimbabwe is witnessing a surge in deaths of illegal miners. On February 6, Kwekwe CPU confirmed the death of 2 miners at the Globe and Phoenix gold mine. On February 16, 3 artisanal miners were confirmed dead at the Pingo mine while dozens were reportedly trapped. ZimRights calls on the government to improve the economy and promote industrialization to reduce unemployment levels.
