We have no power to investigate human rights abuses by First Family: ZHRC speaks on Manzou Farm evictions

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has claimed that it cannot investigate President Mugabe over allegations of human rights violations at Manzou Farm in Mazowe. This follows a report in the media that the ZHRC had ordered Grace Mugabe to stop the violent evictions of families at Manzou Farm. ZHRC chairperson Elasto Mugwadi yesterday said

The First Lady has never been mentioned by any of the people we interviewed from authorities to ordinary people who brought the issue of violation of rights to our attention. We also do not know that the First Family is involved. If the First Family is involved as you indicate, then it means the President and we cannot investigate the President. He is immune. He has immunity.

There were human rights abuses and we had complaints from ordinary people, who accused the police of using force and brutality in the evictions. We have investigated and made recommendations on the issue and we want our communication to be clear given the period we are going into (elections).

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