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Human Rights
ZimbabweZimbabwe public hearings marred by violence and intimidation
Politics2030: UK monitors Zimbabwe amid reports of political repression- South AfricaMPs call for deportation of foreign inmatesMembers of Parliament in South Africa have renewed calls for the deportation of foreign inmates as part of efforts to address ongoing overcrowding in the country’s correctional facilities. The issue was discussed during a National Assembly debate on Thursday, where lawmakers examined the impact of…March 27, 2026
- ZimbabweZimbabwe Cracks Down on Critics of Presidential Term ExtensionZimbabwean authorities are using intimidation and violence against opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s time in office, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said. The controversial changes, approved by the Cabinet last month, would allow Mr…March 10, 2026
- ZimbabweUncle kills niece for failing to spell her nameA six-year-old girl from Zimbabwe’s Midlands province has died after she was allegedly beaten over several days by her uncle, who was trying to teach her how to write her name, police have said. The case, described by authorities as deeply disturbing, centres on allegations that an uncle kills…January 23, 2026
- South AfricaSouth Africans invited to comment on Bill targeting Israel supportSouth Africans are being encouraged to take part in a public consultation process on a proposed Private Members Bill that seeks to criminalise support for Israel. Civil society organisation Dear SA says public interest has been strong, with about 50,000 responses already submitted through its…December 31, 2025
- PoliticsMchunu defends PKTT disbandment amid rights abuse claimsSuspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has again outlined his reasons for ordering the PKTT disbandment, telling the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that the Political Killings Task Team had veered away from lawful and democratic policing standards. Mchunu resumed his testimony on Thursday…December 4, 2025
- AfricaZambia church, civil society plan nationwide protests over constitution reformsCatholic bishops and civil society groups in Zambia are preparing to lead nationwide protests on Friday against the government's constitutional amendment process, which critics say lacks legitimacy despite a court ruling that declared it unconstitutional. The Oasis Forum, a coalition of lawyers…November 25, 2025
- AfricaEswatini confirms US paid R90m for dangerous migrants dealEswatini confirms it received about R90 million from the United States government in exchange for accepting up to 160 migrants deported from American detention facilities. The disclosure has triggered significant public debate in the southern African kingdom, where concerns are mounting over…November 20, 2025
- South AfricaUS boycotts G20 summit in South Africa over disputed genocide claimsThe United States said it would boycott the Group of 20 summit in South Africa later this month, with President Donald Trump citing disputed allegations of violence against white farmers as the reason for the unprecedented diplomatic move. Trump said on Friday that no U.S. government officials…November 8, 2025
- South AfricaOperation Dudula Found in Violation of Migrants’ Rights by CourtJOHANNESBURG, 4 November 2025- The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has issued an interdict preventing Operation Dudula from taking actions against foreign nationals, ruling that the group’s activities violate fundamental human rights. The ruling comes after Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia…November 4, 2025
- Crime‘Missing’ Teenager Found Locked in her Bedroom After 27 yearsŚWIĘTOCHŁOWICE, Poland – A Polish woman reported as a missing teenager nearly three decades ago has been found alive in her family home, where she is believed to have been confined to a single bedroom since 1998. Police in the southern city of Świętochłowice discovered the woman, identified only…October 17, 2025
- EntertainmentUruguay Legalises EuthanasiaTatenda Mafuma, Report Focus News Correspondent MONTEVIDEO- 16 October 2025 Uruguay has officially legalised euthanasia, joining a small group of countries worldwide to permit assisted suicide. The South American nation, known for its socially liberal stance, previously led the region by…October 16, 2025
- South AfricaMandla Mandela Set for Release on TuesdayPRETORIA, South Africa- South African officials have confirmed that Mandla Mandela and five other South African activists detained by Israeli forces will be released on Tuesday, following diplomatic efforts to secure their freedom. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)…October 6, 2025
- CrimeSouth African Clinics ‘Not Border Control Points’JOHANNESBURG, South Africa- Senior health officials in South Africa have warned against attempts to turn public clinics into informal border control points, saying the practice is unlawful, dangerous, and contrary to the country’s Constitution. In recent weeks, unauthorised groups have stationed…September 29, 2025
- South AfricaEFF opens murder case against Operation Dudula after baby's deathThe Economic Freedom Fighters opened a murder case against anti-migrant group Operation Dudula on Saturday after a one-year-old child died following alleged denial of healthcare access at an Alexandra clinic in July. Malawian national Grace Banda said members from Operation Dudula prevented her…September 21, 2025
- South AfricaSouth Africa fast-tracks repatriation of apartheid-era political prisoners' remainsSouth Africa is accelerating efforts to repatriate remains of political activists executed during apartheid, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said Saturday as three anti-apartheid fighters were reburied in the Eastern Cape province. The department has handed over 180 remains of political…September 13, 2025
- South AfricaSouth Africa Passes Immigration Amendment Bill 2025Pretoria, South Africa- South Africa's National Assembly passed the Immigration Amendment Bill on September 11, 2025, to ensure detention rules for undocumented migrants comply with constitutional rights. The bill, addressing a 2017 court ruling, now awaits review by the National Council of…September 12, 2025
- South AfricaNGOs Back Sex Work Decriminalization in South African CourtA significant case in South Africa’s Western Cape High Court, set for 1–2 September 2025, could transform the legal status of sex work. Sixteen non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have applied as amici curiae, or "friends of the court," to advocate for decriminalizing consensual adult sex work…September 1, 2025
- PoliticsSERI says Operation Dudula's anger is misdirectedThe Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) has condemned Operation Dudula, describing its protest outside SERI’s Braamfontein offices as misdirected. On Thursday, Operation Dudula protested, accusing SERI of shielding undocumented migrants. The demonstration faced opposition from a counter-protest…July 18, 2025
- South AfricaInitiation Deaths Spark Tougher Laws in South AfricaMinister warns violators face immediate closure as winter season begins with new safety protocols. BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa – Government has launched a zero-death campaign for the 2025 winter initiation season following last year's tragic deaths of 94 young initiates and 11 amputations. Minister…June 4, 2025
- ZimbabweUK lifts sanctions on four Zimbabwe officialsFour senior Zimbabwean officials have been removed from UK sanctions lists in a move that could signal improving relations between London and Harare. The UK announced on Tuesday it was delisting Owen Ncube, Isaac Moyo, Godwin Matanga and Anselem Sanyatwe, along with state-owned Zimbabwe Defence…May 27, 2025
- ZimbabwePolice Name 20 Zimbabweans Killed in South Africa’s Operation Vala UmgodiHARARE- Police have released the names of 20 Zimbabweans who died during the controversial Operation Vala Umgodi, a months-long standoff between authorities and illegal miners trapped underground in Stilfontein, southwest of Johannesburg in South Africa. The operation, which began in August and…May 13, 2025
- USLibya rejects US deportation plan as first flights expected this weekWASHINGTON — Libya has firmly rejected a controversial US plan to deport migrants to its territory, with both rival governments denouncing the proposal just hours after news broke that deportation flights could begin as early as Wednesday. The Government of National Unity in Tripoli issued a…May 7, 2025
- South AfricaZimbabwe Teen Denied Liver Transplant in South Africa Over Immigration StatusA critically ill Zimbabwean teenager has been denied a potentially life-saving liver transplant at a South African public hospital due to her immigration status. Vanessa Mafu, 15, who suffers from liver cirrhosis caused by autoimmune hepatitis, cannot access the deceased donor waiting list without…April 17, 2025
- ZimbabweZimbabwe president signs controversial NGO lawPresident Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed Zimbabwe's disputed Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill into law, giving authorities sweeping powers to control NGOs operating in the country. The legislation took effect Friday after being gazetted as Act No. 1 of 2025. The new law introduces…April 13, 2025
- South AfricaTransgender Woman Barred from Restroom Prompts Cape Town ReviewA transgender woman was prohibited from using the women's restroom at Green Point Athletics Stadium, prompting the City of Cape Town to review its policies on transgender toilet access. Taswald Ruiters reported feeling humiliated after being confronted by a self-identified "toilet manager" at a…February 28, 2025
- CrimeWhistleblower Exposes Systematic Torture at Pretoria NightclubFormer bouncer releases footage of human rights violations at Zanzou nightclub, claims police corruption shields perpetrators. A former security guard at Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria has released disturbing footage documenting systematic torture of patrons, claiming he secretly recorded over 75…February 18, 2025
- ZimbabweZimbabwe Abolishes Death Penalty In Historic Legal ReformZimbabwe joins 24 African nations in ending capital punishment as President Mnangagwa signs abolition bill into law. Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has abolished the death penalty, transforming sentences for approximately 60 death row inmates and ending a practice dating back to British…January 1, 2025
