Prominent lawyer and advocate Thabani Mpofu has written a letter to the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Justice Priscilla Chigumba, challenging her to publicly refute the claims made by Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe regarding the military’s ability to impose “command voting.”
Last month, the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander, Lt. General Sanyatwe, was quoted as stating that the army will employ “command voting” in elections and that the ruling ZANU PF party would “rule forever.”
In a letter dated July 12, 2024, Mpofu demanded that Chigumba issue a firm public statement refuting Sanyatwe’s claims and providing assurances that ZEC is not beholden to or influenced by the army’s directives.
Mpofu has given Chigumba a seven-day deadline to address Lt. General Sanyatwe’s assertions about the military’s ability to manipulate the electoral process to ensure ZANU PF’s perpetual rule in Zimbabwe. Wrote Mpofu:
<blockquote>
I am writing to bring to your attention concerning remarks made by General Sanyatwe, the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army about elections in Zimbabwe. I have in my possession videographic evidence of him uttering words to the following effect:
“… Zanu (PF) shall rule until donkeys grow horns, whatever your stated and expressed wishes. I am now speaking as the Commander of the Army. We shall use what is called Command Voting. . . Do we understand each other?”
In these remarks, General Sanyatwe not only wades into issues beyond his constitutional remit but also asserts, his as well as the army’s preparedness to undermine the vote and not respect its sanctity. Your Commission’s ability to deliver a credible election has been put in issue by remarks that suggest its complicity in undermining the popular will.
I wonder whether there is any truth to the sting of General Sanyatwe’s assertion.
If you consider this assertion false, I kindly request that you publicly refute it with a firm assurance that your commission is not on the army’s back and call.
If you choose reticence, I kindly request that you account for it, the statement considered. General Sanyatwe’s statement undermines the trust and confidence of the electorate in the electoral process. This as you are aware, has been no small issue.
A clear and prompt refutation of this assertion will help to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and reassure the public that the Electoral Commission is committed to upholding the sanctity of the vote.
Your attention is drawn to sections 155(1), 156(c)(i), 233 and 239 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013 and to the obligations that have been triggered by this tainted tale.
The failure to call out this constitutional delinquency most indubitably has consequences.
I would appreciate your attention to this grave matter within 7 days.
</blockquote>
On July 3, 2024, Mpofu wrote to Sanyatwe demanding an unequivocal withdrawal of his previous remarks regarding the military’s ability to employ “command voting” to ensure ZANU PF’s perpetual rule.
Mpofu stated that Sanyatwe’s comments violated Zimbabwe’s national constitution, the Defence Act, and the Electoral Act, and he gave the military leader a seven-day deadline to retract his claims.
Today, Mpofu has reiterated his demand, clarifying that he is giving Sanyatwe a full seven days, excluding weekends, to publicly retract his statements.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Lawyer Thabani Mpofu is challenging ZEC Chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba, to say that the military can't control voting. A general said the army would use "command voting" to keep the ruling party in power. Mpofu wants Chigumba to deny this claim. He also asked the general to take back his words. Mpofu thinks these statements break the laws. He gave them both a week to correct their words. Mpofu wants to make sure voting is fair and honest.

Lawyer Thabani Mpofu Calls On ZEC Chairperson To Refute General Sanyatwe's "Command Voting" Remarks

Human Rights Watch has condemned Zimbabwe’s army commander’s open declaration that the country’s security forces intend to play a partisan political role, threatening future elections and those participating in them.
Last month, the Zimbabwe National Army commander, Lt. General Anselem Sanyatwe, was quoted as saying the army will use “command voting” and that the ruling party, ZANU PF, would “rule forever.”
Allan Ngari, Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch said Zimbabwe’s security forces need to uphold the country’s Constitution. <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/10/zimbabwe-army-commander-threatens-election-integrity">Said Ngari</a>:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe military commander’s open endorsement of the ruling party not only threatens the fairness of elections but opens the door for security force abuses against voters, the opposition, and civil society organisations.
Zimbabwe’s security forces need to comply with the country’s laws and regulations that uphold its international human rights obligations to ensure that elections are free and fair.
</blockquote>
For decades, Zimbabwe’s military and other state security forces have interfered in the nation’s political and electoral affairs in violation of citizens’ civil and political rights.
Zimbabwe’s constitution states that no member of the security services in exercising their functions may act in a partisan manner, further the interests of any political party, or cause or violate anyone’s fundamental rights or freedoms.
However, senior members of the security forces have routinely ignored these provisions with impunity.
Human Rights Watch has urged the government of Zimbabwe to take urgent steps to end the military’s participation in partisan politics, including by disciplining or prosecuting military officers who violate laws and regulations that prohibit the security forces from directly supporting any political party.
According to Human Rights Watch, election periods in Zimbabwe, especially in 1985, 1990, 2000, 2002, 2005, and 2008, were characterized by widespread political violence, committed mainly by ZANU PF, its allies, and government security agencies, including sections of the army.
These problems were particularly evident during the 2008 elections when the army was credibly implicated in numerous systematic abuses that led to the killing of up to 200 people, the beating and torture of 5,000 more, and the displacement of 36,000.
The 2017 coup against President Robert Mugabe further entrenched the military in its partisanship with the ruling party and interference in civilian affairs.
The military leadership and some sections of the army have, since the coup, taken highly visible steps that adversely affect the political environment. Added Ngari:
<blockquote>
Security force commanders need to speak and act in a manner that reflects a strictly neutral political position in accordance with Zimbabwe’s constitution and international law.
Authorities should take appropriate disciplinary action against officers in the security forces, regardless of rank, who violate laws and regulations prohibiting partisan conduct.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Human Rights Watch condemned Zimbabwe's army commander for saying the army will support the ruling party in future elections. This threatens the fairness of elections and people's rights. The constitution says security forces must be neutral and not support any political party. In the past, the army has been involved in violence during elections. Human Rights Watch wants the government to stop the military from being involved in politics. The army's actions have caused fear and problems in the country. All officers who break the rules should be punished.

Zimbabwe Army Commander Comments Threaten Election Integrity - Human Rights Watch

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has called upon the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to uphold their constitutional mandate and refrain from advancing partisan interests.
The appeal comes in response to recent remarks by Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe at a ZANU PF rally in Nyanga.
In a widely circulated video, Sanyatwe is heard saying that ZANU PF will rule forever, with the military prepared to use force to ensure voters support the party.
Addressing the gathering, Sanyatwe also said that the military would use ‘command voting’ to ensure their support for ZANU PF.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, 3 July 2024, CiZC said that Sanyatwe’s declaration that the army will use “command voting” to ensure ZANU PF’s continued stay in power is deeply concerning. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition urges the country’s Defence Forces to adhere to their constitutional mandate and refrain from serving partisan interests.
We are disturbed by the reckless utterances made by Zimbabwe’s Army Commander, Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe.
His declaration that the army will use “command voting” to ensure ZANU PF’s continued stay in power is deeply concerning.
Sanyatwe made these statements while addressing a ZANU PF rally in Nyanga North Constituency, where his wife is a Member of Parliament.
He further declared that ZANU PF will not be removed by the ballot and will continue ruling until donkeys grow horns.
His utterances demonstrate a complete disregard for the Constitution, which directs the defence forces to serve national rather than partisan interests.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution under Section 211 (3) directs the army to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens and be non-partisan in their conduct.
The Coalition emphasizes that the Constitution of Zimbabwe is a sacrosanct document that should never be abused for selfish political gains.
The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, including the right to elect political leaders, and this constitutional provision should not be overturned by the army whose conduct is guided by the same document.
Zimbabwe’s constitution has been under threat due to numerous amendments by the ruling party, ZANU PF, which has used its parliamentary majority to introduce draconian laws aimed at entrenching its political power and further closing the democratic space in Zimbabwe.
The militarization of key institutions and the determination to create a one-party state also present a significant obstacle to the attainment of an independent and democratic state in Zimbabwe.
General Sanyatwe’s sentiments underscore the need to address the military factor in Zimbabwe’s politics, thus our continued call for a SADC-facilitated all stakeholders’ dialogue.
The continued involvement of the army in Zimbabwe’s politics leads to the subversion of the will of the people and the entrenchment of authoritarianism.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that the current government in Zimbabwe is a product of a military coup that deposed long-time ruler, Robert Mugabe, in November 2017.
Following the military coup, the army led a violent campaign in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 6 unarmed civilians during protests over the delayed release of Presidential election results.
The government of Zimbabwe has yet to act on recommendations from the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry regarding the army shootings.
In January 2019, an estimated 9 civilians were also shot by the army following protests over fuel price hikes.
The Coalition calls upon the defence forces to uphold the constitution and allow the people of Zimbabwe to enjoy their fundamental rights, including the right to choose their leaders.
It is ironic that the same army, which deposed Mugabe for surrounding himself with criminals and betraying the values of the liberation struggle, has developed dictatorial tendencies similar to the late ruler.
The army should be obligated to serve national interests, and in the current context, one would expect the army to speak out against the looting of national resources by political heavyweights and their cronies
In light of General Sanyatwe’s recent statement, the Coalition will engage Parliament and independent institutions established to promote democracy in Zimbabwe as part of our advocacy efforts to protect the constitution and promote constitutionalism in Zimbabwe.
At the regional level, our work will focus on harnessing regional solidarity in light of the continued shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe
A national dialogue remains the solution to unlocking the multi-faceted crisis in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition Criticizes Sanyatwe's "Reckless Utterances"

Chido Sanyatwe, the wife to Zimbabwe ambassador to Tanzania and former Presidential Guard commander, Anselem Sanyatwe, is reportedly leading the race to take over as the Manicaland ZANU PF provincial women’s league chairperson.
Sanyatwe, who is Nyanga North MP, is said to have the backing of several districts ahead of the elections expected to be held next month.
She is facing competition from the incumbent, Happiness Nyakuedzwa, who is determined to return her seat despite being dumped by her district, Makoni, last month.
A women’s league provincial member who spoke to NewsDay on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation said:
<blockquote>
Cde Sanyatwe has done a lot for her constituency, she has been helping women with poultry projects, sewing machines among other projects, so people are appreciating what she has been doing and she is being supported by many districts in upcoming provincial elections.
What is interesting in the women’s league elections Cde Nyakuedzwa is not wanted in her own Makoni district; this is an advantage for Sanyatwe. Mutasa district is supporting Sanyatwe.
</blockquote>
Sanyatwe was elected into the leadership of Manicaland province and was promoted to the secretary for administration in the women’s league in 2013.
After being elected into Parliament in 2018, Sanyatwe is a member of the portfolio committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Portfolio Committee on Public Accounts.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa recently warned party members to desist from campaigning as this was disturbing the party’s restructuring process.
However, aspiring candidates who are eyeing provincial positions are allegedly holding secret campaigns.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/09/army-commanders-wife-tipped-for-zanu-pf-top-post/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Former Top Army Commander's Wife Tipped For ZANU PF Post

Zimbabwe’s permanent secretary of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, scoffed at the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/02/01/uk-announces-sanctions-on-zimbabwean-security-chiefs/">United Kingdom’s recent imposition of sanctions on four Zimbabwean security chiefs.</a>
Mangwana said there was no logic in imposing a travel ban on individuals who have for the past three years never expressed interest in travelling to the UK.
The UK had imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on state security minister Owen Ncube, CIO boss Isaac Moyo, police chief Godwin Matanga and former presidential guard commander Anselem Sanyatwe.
In response, Mangwana posted on Twitter and said:
<blockquote>Has any of these have any assets in the UK or showed any interest to travel there in the last 3 years?
                        Assets             Travel to UK 
Amb IA Moyo ❌                  ❌ 
Hon O Ncube ❌                  ❌ 
Gen Sanyatwe ❌                 ❌ 
Gen Matanga ❌                  ❌ 
So?
<img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtULpzpXcAE2RHH?format=jpg&amp;name=small"/></blockquote>
The UK said the sanctions were attracted by gross violation of human rights by institutions presided over by Owen Ncube, Isaac Moyo, Godwin Matanga and Anselem Sanyatwe.
These sanctions were the UK’s first autonomous sanctions on Zimbabwe since leaving the European Union.
The UK says the sanctions are meant to force the Zimbabwean government into implementing reforms which are premised at enhancing democratic practices in the Southern African country.
More: Nick Mangwana

Zim Official Scoffs At UK Sanctions On Security Chiefs

The United Kingdom has announced its first autonomous sanctions on Zimbabwe since leaving the European Union.
It has imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on state security minister Owen Ncube, CIO boss Isaac Moyo, police chief Godwin Matanga and former presidential guard commander Anselem Sanyatwe.
They are held responsible by the UK Government for a state-sponsored crackdown against protests, including in January 2019 which resulted in the deaths of 17 Zimbabweans, as well as post-election violence in August 2018 in which six protesters lost their lives.
UK’s Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said:
<blockquote>These sanctions send a clear message that we will hold to account those responsible for the most egregious human rights violations, including the deaths of innocent Zimbabweans.
We will continue to press for the necessary political and economic reforms that will benefit all Zimbabweans.</blockquote>
This came into effect on December 31 when the Brexit transition period came to an end, and comprises trade restrictions on military goods and items that could be used for internal repression, as well as travel bans and asset freezes.
The first raft of designations today is part of a UK push to hold the Harare regime to account and follow through on its pledge to deliver reforms.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Britain is demanding that the Mnangagwa regime respect democratic principles and institutions, stop the repression of civil society, and comply with international human rights law. The FCDO said:
<blockquote>We will continue to support the Zimbabwean people through our aid programme, focusing on tackling poverty, humanitarian assistance, standing up for human rights and supporting Zimbabwe’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. None of this aid goes directly through Government or Zimbabwe systems.</blockquote>
Britain and her allies initially imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe at the turn of the millennium when the Robert Mugabe regime embarked on the chaotic land reform program during which many white farmers lost their land.
Zimbabwe attributes the country’s economic, humanitarian and political crises to these “illegal” sanctions.
British diplomats, however, dismiss these claims saying it is Zimbabwe’s poorly-managed currency and human rights abuses and the legal system that discourage the inward flow of cash.
More: Telegraph

UK Announces Sanctions On Zimbabwean Security Chiefs

Some of Zimbabwe’s top military officials reportedly acquired large residential stands in Harare’s leafy suburbs ahead of residents who have been on the house waiting list for many years.
A report by Zim Morning Post reveals that Brigadier-General Anslem Sanyatwe was among the beneficiaries.
According to the report, Town Clerk Admire Chisango allocated a residential stand to Sanyatwe on October 21 irrespective that he had acquired another stand on January 25, 2018. Chisango wrote to Sanyatwe:
<blockquote>Please, be advised that you have been selected for the offer of an unserviced residential stand, number 1052, in Mt Pleasant Township, Harare.
The allocation is a replacement of the remainder of stand 17291 STL (40683 STL) in Borrowdale West that was allocated to you on January 25, 2018.</blockquote>
Sanyatwe is currently Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Tanzania and former commander of the Zimbabwean National Army’s Presidential Guard Brigade.
The issuance of residential stands to top army officials comes at a time the Harare City Council (HCC) top officials have been arrested on corruption and abuse of office charges.
In a statement this Thursday, the MDC Alliance said the real authors of corruption in the country’s local authorities are not councillors. The statement read:
<blockquote>The real authors of corruption in our local authorities are not councillors. They have no legal power to allocate stands.
This is done by the secretariat. In this scandal, the town clerk allocated stands to senior army officials. When will they be arrested? Where is ZACC (the Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission)?</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/army-officials-caught-up-in-harare-land-corruption-scandal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zim Morning Post</a></h4>

Top Military Bosses Get Upmarket Residential Stands

The US government has agreed that Zimbabweans needs to set boundaries on human rights abuses as sanctioning alleged perpetrators would not stop govt officials from abusing them, New Zimbabwe reports.
This was revealed in a telephone interview Zimbabwe Media had with Robert. A. Destro, Assistant Secretary for Bureau of Democracy, Human rights and Labour in the U.S government. Destro said:
<blockquote>Sanctioning is not enough. At the end of the day the responsibility and the boundary to policy violation of human rights lies with Zimbabwe and its people.
We respect their sovereignty and we only come in where we can. The whole point of sanctions is to get people moving in the right direction.</blockquote>
The interview came after the US announced it added 2 new people <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Owen_Ncube">Owen Ncube</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Anselem_Sanyatwe">Ansslem Sanyatwe</a> on the sanctions list.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/us-admits-sanctions-against-zim-top-officials-not-enough-to-end-rights-abuses/">New Zimbabwe</a>

Sanctions Not Enough To Stop Zim Govt Top Officials From Abusing Human Rights - The US Admits

The United States’ Department of the Treasury has updated its sanctions list on Zimbabwe, with some senior government officials being added while others were removed.
While the late former ZANU PF bigwig, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Shuvai_Mahofa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shuvai Mahofa</a> and former Mashonaland East chairperson Ray Kauonde were among those struck off the list, Minister of State Security <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Owen_Ncube" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Owen Ncube</a> and the Commander of August 1, 2018, killings in central Harare, retired Lieutenant General <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Anselem_Sanyatwe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe</a> have been added.
In a press release earlier on Wednesday, the Department of the Treasury said:
<blockquote>The following [ZIMBABWE] entries have been removed:
KAUKONDE, Ray Joseph, Private Bag 7706, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe; DOB 04 Mar 1963; Mashonaland East Provincial Governor (individual) [ZIMBABWE].
03/11/20:
The following [ZIMBABWE] entries have been removed:
MAHOFA, Shuvai Ben; DOB 04 Apr 1941; Passport AD000369 (Zimbabwe); Member of Parliament for Gutu South (individual) [ZIMBABWE].
MATHUTHU, Sithokozile; Matabeleland North Provincial Governor &amp; Deputy Secretary for Transport and Social Welfare (individual) [ZIMBABWE].
NDLOVU, Naison K.; DOB 22 Oct 1930; Politburo Secretary for Production and Labor (individual) [ZIMBABWE].
03/11/20:
The following [ZIMBABWE] entries have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:
NCUBE, Owen, Zimbabwe; DOB 17 Apr 1968; Gender Male (individual) [ZIMBABWE].
SANYATWE, Anselem Nhamo, Zimbabwe; Tanzania; DOB 21 Jan 1956; Gender Male; Passport 290060361Y34 (Zimbabwe) expires 23 Jun 2024 (individual) [ZIMBABWE].</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/sdnnew20.txt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US Treasury OFAC</a></h4>

US Govt  Targets CIO Minister, August 1 Commander Assets As Pair Is Sanctioned

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reportedly reshuffled army chiefs amid reports that he is intensifying his grip on power.
<a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2020/01/31/unsettled-mnangagwa-reshuffles-army-chiefs/">The Independent,</a> a local publication reports that Mnangagwa last month made changes in the PG by naming Lieutenant-Colonel (Lt-Col) Chicha as the commander of 2 PG Battalion.
Chicha took over from Lt-Col Regis Mangezi, who was moved to command the 1 PG Battalion following the ouster of <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/11/29/army-boss-replaced-after-keeping-a-mentally-ill-person-to-guard-state-house/">Lt-Col Solomon Murombo from the unit allegedly for keeping a mentally ill person to guard State House</a>.
Military sources told the Zimbabwe Independent that the latest changes were part of the ongoing drive by Mnangagwa to coup-proof his regime while whittling down Vice President Chiwenga’s influence. Sources said:
<blockquote>The chops and changes are meant to dilute that influence. Initially after the coup, Mnangagwa’s restructuring of the army was seen as a way to reward commanders who played key roles in the coup. But the promotions were also used to remove some powerful commanders, like Sanyatwe, out of key positions so that they are not able to be the backbone of Chiwenga’s presidential bid.”</blockquote>
The publication further reports that Mnangagwa has been elevating commanders from his ethnic Karanga clan, mostly from the Midlands, to the top echelons of most security organisations.
<a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2020/01/31/unsettled-mnangagwa-reshuffles-army-chiefs/">More: The Independent</a>

President Mnangagwa Reshuffles Army Chiefs

Vice President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Constantino_Chiwenga" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Constantino Chiwenga’s</a> estranged wife, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Marry_Chiwenga" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marry</a>, has rejected claims that her customary marriage to Chiwenga was terminated through the production of a divorce token (gupuro).
In her response to Chiwenga’s application for divorce last month, Marry revealed that she rejected the divorce token as it had been paid in foreign currency. She said:
<blockquote>The defendant further claims in reconvention that the plaintiff has failed to follow proper customary law procedures to end the customary marriage and that, instead, plaintiff sent <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Anselem_Sanyatwe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(Anselem) Sanyatwe</a> to give her a United States dollar bill which she declined to accept on the basis that it is unlawful in Zimbabwe to transact in United States dollars and that it was (up to) the plaintiff to give her gupuro (divorce token) after following all proper customary protocol. Consequently, the customary marriage continues to subsist.</blockquote>
Marry also dismissed claims by Chiwenga that she is a drug addict saying she is in better health to care for the kids than Chiwenga who is a sickly absentee parent who is more in hospital than out.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/01/chiwengas-wife-spills-the-beans/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Chiwenga Sent 'Gupuro' To Marry Through Sanyatwe... It Was Rejected Because It Was In Forex

The government of Zimbabwe has summoned United States of America’s Ambassador, Brian Nichols, over a travel ban imposed on the country’s Ambassador-designate to Tanzania, Lt General (Rtd) Anselem Sanyatwe.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EA-WzyHX4AAX-Xi?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900"/>

Govt Summons US Ambassador Over Lt General (Rtd) Anselem Sanyatwe Sanctions

Former Presidential Guard Commander Anselem Sanyatwe has been placed on the United States of America sanctions list.
Sanyatwe, a retired army general who has been appointed an ambassador to Tanzania, commanded troops accused of killing six civilians on August 1 2018.
According to the Associated Press, the listing of Anselem Sanyatwe signals U.S. frustration over the lack of accountability in the killings in the capital, Harare.
The government deployed soldiers in central Harare on August 1 last year to quell post-election violence. 6 civilians were shot and killed while fleeing the soldiers and at least 35 bystanders were seriously injured.
In a statement on Thursday, the United States of America State Department said:
<blockquote>Section 7031(c) of the FY 2019 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act provides that, in cases where the Secretary of State has credible information that foreign officials have been involved in significant corruption or a gross violation of human rights, those individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States.
The Department has credible information that Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe was involved in the violent crackdown against unarmed Zimbabweans during post-election protests on August 1, 2018, that resulted in six civilian deaths.
… Furthermore, there has been no accountability for the excessive use of force by Zimbabwean security forces on civilians in January and February this year, which reportedly resulted in at least 13 deaths, 600 victims of violence, torture or rape, and more than 1,000 arrests.
We again call on Zimbabwean authorities to hold accountable those officials responsible for human rights violations and abuses in Zimbabwe.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/nation-world/world/article233384367.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Charlotte Observer</a></h4>

JUST IN: August 1 Shootings Army Commander Placed Under US Sanctions

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has retired and reassigned four top army generals. The four are Major General Martin Chedondo, Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba, Major General Anselem Sanyatwe and Air Vice Marshall Sheba Shumbayawonda.
Major General Anselem Sanyatwe led the Presidential Guard Unit during Operation Restore Legacy, a euphemism for the November 2017 military coup that toppled President Robert Mugabe. The unit was implicated in the August 1 shootings by the Motlanthe Commission report. In December, he was promoted to the rank of Major-general.
Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba was the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Chief of Staff. While addressing journalists a few weeks ago, he denied that the army was responsible for the death of civilians during ShutDownZim. He said:
<blockquote>… We have been flashing out rogue elements and we have a challenge that some of them ran away with our uniforms. Some of the uniforms are stolen on washing lines, which other people use to perpetrate criminal activities.
Some of the uniforms are taken from deceased people. We have not been collecting them and it’s a weakness in the system. We urge all those with the uniforms to return them. Some have started returning them and there is a heap in Epworth from people surrendering them.
</blockquote>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-78877 size-full" decoding="async" height="1200" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Military-Officials-Retired.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Military-Officials-Retired.jpg 900w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Military-Officials-Retired-225x300.jpg 225w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Military-Officials-Retired-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Military-Officials-Retired-600x800.jpg 600w" width="900"/>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-78884 size-full" decoding="async" height="1024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Military-Bosses.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Military-Bosses.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Military-Bosses-225x300.jpg 225w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Military-Bosses-600x800.jpg 600w" width="768"/>Related:
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</ul>
<h4></h4>

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