Terrence Mawawa

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has condemned the opening of fire on innocent civilians.

Below is the commission’s statement:

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC/Commission) joins the nation and other peace-loving Zimbabweans in condemning, in the strongest sense, the use of live

ammunition and excessive force on
unarmed protesting citizens by the
army on 1 August 2018.

Regrettably, we understand there was unnecessary loss of souls and property. While the Commission does not in any way support violence, hooliganism and vandalism by the protesters, constitutionally there are better ways of managing protests without infringing on the citizens’ right to life, which must
be jealously guarded by all State
institutions at all times.

The ZHRC believes that the army should be deployed when necessary for the maintenance of law and order and in strict compliance with the relevant legal provisions and internationally accepted standards including restrictions on the
use of live ammunition against
protesters.