Responding to reports of the enforced disappearance and torture of Nelson Mukwenha, a political activist for opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), allegedly at the hands of security forces on 26 August, Khanyo Farisè, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa, said:
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the enforced disappearance and torture of Nelson Mukwenha, allegedly at the hands of Zimbabwe’s security forces.
Amnesty International strongly condemns the enforced disappearance and torture of Nelson Mukwenha, allegedly at the hands of Zimbabwe’s security forces.
Khanyo Farisè, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa
“Authorities must conduct a prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, effective, and transparent investigation into Mukwenha’s disappearance and torture. The findings of any investigation must be made public and those suspected to be responsible must be brought to justice in fair trials.
“Everyone, regardless of their political outlook, should be able to freely express themselves and participate in peaceful activism without the fear of abduction or harm. The Zimbabwean authorities must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right of everyone to physical security and safety.
“The Zimbabwean authorities must ensure that enforced disappearances and abductions, are treated as extremely serious crimes, and ensure justice and accountability.
The Zimbabwean authorities must ensure that enforced disappearances and abductions, are treated as extremely serious crimes, and ensure justice and accountability.
Khanyo Farisè
Background
On 26 August 2023, Mukwenha was part of a crowd of people that prevented suspected security officials from abducting Promise Mkwananzi, spokesperson of the CCC, during a press conference.
Later that evening, Mukwenha was reportedly picked up by suspected security officials at his home in Highfields, Harare. He was then tortured and dumped in a forest in Mapinga on the outskirts of Harare.
Zimbabwe has a long history of enforced abductions and disappearances. On 9 March 2015, Itai Dzamara, an activist and journalist, was abducted by five men while at a barber shop in Harare. He has not been seen since.
On 24 May 2022, Moreblessing Ali was out with her friend in Beatrice when she was allegedly abducted by an unidentified man following an argument. Her mutilated body was found three weeks later on 11 June 2022.
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