After Months Of Violence, Zimbabwean Society In Grip Of Fear

By Blessing Zulu
Washington
11 July 2008

Discussion With Mulegeta Abai & Charles Mutama - Download (MP3) audio clip
Discussion With Mulegeta Abai & Charles Mutama - Listen (MP3) audio clip

Critics of the government of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe at one time used to make references to George Orwell’s novel “Animal Farm.” But now a more appropriate reference according to some observers is the author's grim “1984,” in which Big Brother exercises total control over a subdued population through the mechanism of fear.

Political analysts say fear is the predominant emotion in Zimbabwean society today: fear of political violence, fear of being identified as a member of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change and thus being targeted for punishment, even death.

Nongovernmental organizations and even church leaders are pulling back in the face of mounting governmental pressure.

In addition there has been a proliferation of informants, making many Zimbabweans afraid of each other, for fear that criticism of the government might be reported to the authorities or, worse, the ZANU-PF militia, leading to abduction, torture and possibly death.

Harare observers say society is deeply traumatized and that there is need for national healing to help it recover from the shock of the wave of violence since March 29 elections.

For a closer look at the fear factor in today’s Zimbabwe, reporter Blessing Zulu of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe turned to torture survivor and political activist Charles Mutama, now exiled in the United States, and Mulugeta Abai, executive director of the Canadian Center For Victims of Torture, who said the Mugabe government is using violence to retain power.

Commemoration of June 26- United Nations Day Against Torture

Survivors gathered at the White House in Washington DC on Saturday to commemorate the United Nations Day Against Torture. The event was hosted by the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC International). Mr Mutama gave a testimony of his torture ordeal at the hands of the Zimbabwe Republic Police in 2003 when he was arrested alongside former Member of Parliament, Job Sikhala, and human rights lawyer, Gabriel Shumba. The event was characterized by a mock jail cell, testimonies from survivors, lighting of candles in remembrance of those who suffered the ordeal, poetry, music and a 24 hour vigil outside the White House at Lafayette Park. Mr Mutama recorded the names of some Zimbabwean survivors of torture on the wall of remembrance and one of the most prominent was of Tonderai Ndira who was abducted and tortured to death by ruling ZANU PF militias after the March 29 joint Council, Parliamentary, Senatorial and Presidential elections in Zimbabwe.