Zimbabwe authorities must do more to stop culture of abductions and killings

Zimbabwe: Responding to the discovery of the dismembered body of Moreblessing Ali, Lucia Masuka, Executive Director of Amnesty International Zimbabwe, said:“Authorities must not leave any stone unturned in the investigation of this case and ensure that suspected perpetrators are held accountable.”“Abductions are being fueled by the impunity of perpetrators. Authorities must do more to ensure Zimbabwe breaks this cycle of killings and abductions and impunity associated with it. Authorities must ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and their families.”“Furthermore, authorities must guarantee and protect people’s rights to life, physical integrity and security.”

BackgroundMoreblessing Ali was out with her friend in Beatrice on 24 May 2022 when she was allegedly taken by an identified man following an argument. She was missing for three weeks before being found murdered and her body mutilated on 11 June.Cases of abductions where perpetrators are never held to account are common in Zimbabwe.The family of journalist and pro-democracy activist Itai Dzamara are yet to find closure after he was abducted on 9 March 2015.

He was at a barbers’ shop in Harare’s Glen View suburb when five men reportedly accused him of stealing cattle before handcuffing him, forcing him into a white truck with concealed number plates and driving off.

He has not been seen since and fears for his safety remain.