The Sunday Mail
Lincoln Towindo
Police are investigating former Zanu-PF National Assembly representative for Hurungwe West Mr Themba for alleged abuse of workers at his Spring Farm in Karoi following a report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission. A ZHRC investigation determined that the ex-legislator criminally violated his workers’ rights as outlined in the Declaration of Rights in Zimbabwe’s Constitution.
The Commission has since directed law enforcement agents, through Police Commissioner-General Dr Augustine Chihuri, to investigate the allegations.
This follows complaints to the ZHRC of harassment, assault and intimidation of workers at the farm.
An investigation by the Commission established there was scope for a criminal case and possible prosecution.
Section 243(1)(f) and (h) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe mandate the ZHRC to investigate the conduct of any authority or person accused of violating human rights.
Responding to questions from The Sunday Mail, ZHRC chairperson Mr Elasto Mugwadi said: “. . .the Commission conducted two investigations in Hurungwe West related to the by–election of 10 June 2015.
“The first concerned a complaint lodged alleging the violation of human rights of farm workers at Spring Farm owned by Temba Mliswa.
“The second investigation was undertaken to investigate a complaint by an independent candidate (against Mliswa) prior to the by-election in that constituency. The complainants alleged harassment, assault and intimidation.
“In light of that, the ZHRC carried out investigations into the allegations of human rights violations perpetrated against the complainants.
“The Commission has also received cases of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment (by Mliswa). In line with its mandate, the Commission wrote to the Commissioner-General of the Police to investigate such human rights violations.”
The ZHRC is one of the five Chapter 12 Independent Commissions Supporting Democracy established in terms of Section 232 of the Constitution.
The Commission became operational in June 2014 when the secretariat was recruited.
Mr Mliswa was fired from Zanu-PF in March and lost his parliamentary seat.
He has previously faced charges ranging from assault and common assault, to theft, public violence, contempt of court, fraud extortion, malicious damage to property, Shop Licences Act violation, Firearms Act violation and house breaking.
Mr Mliswa has a pending case at the Chinhoyi Magistrates Court for allegedly stealing eight rifles.
