August 1, 2018 Shootings: "The Only Compensation We Got Was ZW$1 000" - Family Of Victim
The government reportedly gave ZW$1 000 only as “compensation” to families of the August 1, 2018 army shooting victims, NewsDay Weekender reported.
The amount, given to assist in the burial of those killed by army personnel during the post-election protests over the delayed announcement of presidential election results, translates to less than US$2.
Last week, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiCZ) hosted a roundtable discussion to measure progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the commission where families of the deceased victims expressed sadness over their neglect.
Alison Charles, who lost her brother Galvin Dean, could not hold back her tears saying her brother “was killed like a dog”. Alison said in-between tears:
My brother died like a dog. He was never a violent person.
I have tried litigation to no avail. The government is untouchable and unapproachable. The only compensation we got from the government was the $1 000 deposited into our accounts to cover some funeral expenses.
It was not even enough at the time as we were assisted by loved ones and friends.
Maxwell Tauro said he wanted justice to find closure over the killing of his son Charles Tauro.
He said his “wounds are still fresh” adding that he “can’t even maintain my son’s grave because I have no money. He was our breadwinner.” Tauro added:
I am also demanding justice. We need to know the perpetrators.
CiCZ chairperson Peter Mutasa said August 1, 2018, brings sad memories and expressed regret that there is no will on the part of the government to compensate the victims.
Some Context:
President Emmerson Mnangagwa narrowly beat opposition leader Nelson Chamisa in the disputed elections, with the case spilling into the Constitutional Court, where Chamisa lost the challenge.
During the post-election protests the army, using live ammunition, opened fire on fleeing protesters, killing:
i). Silvia Maphosa,
ii). Galvin Dean Charles,
iii). Ishmael Kumire,
iv). Jealous Chakandira,
v). Challenge Tauro and
vi). Brian Zhuwawo.
Thirty-five others were wounded in the shootings in Harare’s central business district.
The killings attracted the attention of the international community prompting Mnangagwa to appoint a commission of inquiry, headed by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, to investigate the killings.
Among a raft of recommendations, the commission said families of the deceased should be compensated and that perpetrators be held accountable.
Opposition leader Linda Masarira, who testified before the Motlanthe commission, donated five bags of cement to Tauro for his son’s grave.
She said there is no political will to compensate the victims adding that there should be a special fund to compensate the families.
