Amnesty International says charges laid against three Movement for Democratic Change Alliance activists, who were allegedly abducted recently by suspected state security agents, beaten up and sexually abused, as “a travesty and ploy to intimidate the opposition”.
Responding to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s decision Tuesday to charge Harare West lawmaker Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova for participating in peaceful protests against hunger during the lockdown period last month, Amnesty International’s deputy director for southern Africa, Muleya Mwananyanda said expectations were that the government was supposed to carry out investigations on their alleged abductions and not prosecute them.
Mwananyanda said, “Joana Mamombe, Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova are victims of police brutality, sexual assault and enforced disappearance. Before charging them for allegedly breaking the lockdown rules, authorities must investigate the crimes against them. The charges against these three women are a travesty and ploy to intimidate the opposition and send a chilling message that anyone who challenges the government is putting themselves at risk.
“Zimbabwean authorities should hold to account those suspected to be responsible for the enforced disappearance and sexual assault of the three female opposition leaders, rather than intimidating them with criminal charges. The charges should be dropped immediately.”
The three are facing charges of participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence and breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in Section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and violating lockdown regulations.
Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova disappeared after they were arrested at a roadblock in Warren Park guarded by police and soldiers on May 13th .
They were part of a demonstration organized against the authorities’ failure to provide social protection for the poor during the COVID-19 lockdown. They were later dropped in Bindura after they were tortured and sexually abused.
Information Secretary Nick Mangwana was not available for comment.
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Mortgage Refinancing: Lowering Your Monthly Payments
Mortgage refinancing allows homeowners to replace their existing loan with a new one, often to secure a lower interest rate or better terms. This can significantly reduce monthly payments and overall loan costs. Many homeowners consider refinancing when market interest rates drop or their credit profile improves.
Before refinancing, it’s important to evaluate closing costs, loan terms, and long-term savings. While lower payments are attractive, extending the loan term may increase total interest paid over time. Careful comparison of options ensures that refinancing truly benefits your financial situation.
How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent Near Me
Finding the best real estate agent near me starts with knowing what kind of help you actually need. Whether you are buying your first home, selling a property, or relocating, the right agent can save you time, reduce stress, and help you make better financial decisions.
A strong agent does more than unlock doors or list a home. They understand the local market, know how to price properties correctly, and can negotiate effectively on your behalf. In a competitive market, those skills can have a real impact on your final sale price or purchase terms.
The first step is to look for agents who work actively in your area. Local experience matters because neighborhood trends, school districts, pricing patterns, and buyer demand can change quickly from one ZIP code to the next. An agent who knows the local market will usually give you more realistic advice than someone who only works broadly across a region.
You should also review recent sales history. A good agent should be able to show you homes they have sold or helped clients buy in your price range and area. This gives you a better sense of whether they are experienced with properties similar to yours.
Communication style is just as important as market knowledge. Some agents prefer frequent phone calls, while others rely on texts or email updates. You want someone who responds quickly, explains things clearly, and keeps you informed throughout the process.
It also helps to ask the right questions during your first conversation. Ask how they market homes, how many clients they are currently handling, how they negotiate multiple offers, and what they think your home or target property is worth. Their answers will tell you a lot about their experience and professionalism.
If you are selling, look closely at their pricing strategy. An agent who inflates your listing price just to win your business may not serve you well in the long run. A realistic pricing plan often leads to stronger interest and better results.
The best real estate agent is not always the most famous or the one with the biggest marketing budget. It is the person who understands your goals, knows your market, and communicates well enough to guide you through one of the biggest decisions you will ever make.
