HARARE – Zimbabwe’s continued failure to investigate past torture crimes such as during the Gukurahundi era and run up to the 2008 violent elections could fuel a repeat of violence and torture in future elections because perpetrators will know they will go unpunished, a local rights group said.

Human rights groups say up to 20 000 people were killed during the infamous Gukurahundi campaign in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces in the early 80s as President Robert Mugabe’s government led a military crackdown to quell an insurgency.

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum said it was the failure by the government to punish perpetrators that was worrisome, adding that precedence may have been set where the offenders could continue with violence and torture against their opponents.

“The failure by the government to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of murder, torture, abductions and politically motivated violence threatens the prospects of holding any free, fair and credible election. In the past torture has been used to influence voting patterns,” the Forum said in a statement.

“It is the responsibility of any state to protect its citizens by taking reasonable steps to prevent human rights violations.”

Political violence has scarred Zimbabwe’s past elections and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Party (MDC) party says up to 200 of its members were killed by Mugabe’s ZANU-PF supporters who were helped by members of the security service in the 2008 elections.

Mugabe was retained into office after a run-off vote which Tsvangirai boycotted, citing the violence against MDC supporters. The two were forced into a unity government by regional leaders but the coalition has failed to prosecute the perpetrators.

The new government has not investigated cases of violence, which worsened from 2000 and a national healing programme meant to ease political tensions has failed so far.

Zimbabwe’s security service, especially the intelligence service, army and police continue to be linked to cases of political violence, torture and inhuman treatment of Mugabe’s political opponents.

The Forum said political detainees had given accounts of indignities, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment endured in police custody. 

In 2008 intelligence agents abducted broadcaster-turned rights activist Jestina Mukoko from her home and illegally held her for more than a month without her whereabouts being known by her lawyers and family.

The state was barred from prosecuting her by the Supreme Court, which heard how she was tortured and denied medication. State security agents have always denied that they torture suspects even when it has been confirmed by medical experts.

“State agents have reportedly used torture as a means of illegally extracting confessions from accused persons. Political activists have allegedly also used it, either with the support or acquiescence of the state, to obtain information from political opponents,” the Forum said.

“The likelihood of organised violence and torture being used at any future election is apparent as past perpetrators continue to enjoy impunity,” the forum said.

Political tensions are on the rise again in Zimbabwe, fueled by talk of fresh elections meant to end the current unity government, which has raised fears of more political violence in the southern African state.

The Forum said the government should ratify the United Nations Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and ensure perpetrators of past violence were brought to account. 

By Zimonline