Complaints Handling and Investigations

The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) is mandated to receive and investigate complaints from the public in instances where conflicts arise as a result of human rights violations as provided for in section 252(f) of the Constitution and section 3(2)(a) of the NPRC Act [Chapter 10:32].

Who may lodge a complaint with the NPRC?

Section 8(1) (2) of the NPRC Act as read with section 18(1) of the NPRC Regulations, SI 90/2018 provides that a complaint may be lodged with the Commission by four categories of persons namely:

• any person directly or indirectly affected or suffered human rights violation
• any group of people which has suffered human rights violation arising from a shared or common dispute or conflict
• any person acting on behalf of any person or group of persons who are unable or incapable to lodge complaint
• any person or group acting in the public interest

Where can a complaint be lodged?

A complaint relating to a human rights violation which creates disputes or conflicts may be lodged at any office of the NPRC regardless of where the human rights violation occurred (s 18(4)). This was done to alleviate challenges associated with travelling by the public. The NPRC has offices in Harare and Bulawayo and is currently in the process of putting in place mechanisms for further decentralization so that it is easily accessible and for expeditious disposal of cases. The NPRC Provincial Peace Committee structures have been activated in all the ten provinces to assist in the receiving and processing of complaints.

How is a complaint lodged?

Not everyone can make a written complaint or call the Commission during business hours. We live in a diverse community where people have different communication preferences and needs. Section 8(1) of the NPRC Act as read with section 18(6) (b)-(d) of the NPRC Regulations provides that a complaint is lodged at a Commission office in either of the following ways/forms:

• in writing and handed in at a Commission office
• made orally or by telephone to a Commission office
• sent to the office by post, tele-facsimile or e-mail
• complete a complaint form online via the NPRC’s website and transmit it electronically to the Commission.

During the 21 day lock down period the Commission has set up a National Peace Monitoring Team comprising of Commissioners, Commission Secretariat and Members of Provincial Peace Committees. A full list of the Peace Monitoring Team is published separately. During this period the Commission is contactable virtually.

Contacts

Harare Office: +263242792646 | +263712906826 | +263712845518 | +263773330083
Bulawayo Office: +263 29270101 | +263773932372 | +263712845520
Website: www.nprc.org.zw |Email: info@nprc.org.zw | WhatsApp: +263714035328

We have just spoken to Mr Tafadzwa Musarara (Chairperson of the Grain Millers Association of
Zimbabwe) and highlighted the numerous complaints lodged with the Commission around
subsidized mealie meal distribution and sales through out the country. We agreed that GMAZ is 
engaging police to ensure that:

1. There is fair distribution of the product on a one bag per customer basis
2. The subsidized retail price of$70 is not flouted.
3. Wholesalers sell direct to consumers and not retailers who will inflate the price later.
4. All payment methods be accepted by those selling the product.
5. Social distancing in queues is strictly observed.

As GMAZ they are on the ground doing spot checks.

Commissioner Rev Charles Masunungure
NPRC Complaints Handling and Investigations Commissioner

The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) commends His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa and the Government of Zimbabwe for successfully leading the nation in the management of the Covid-19 pandemic since the proclamation of the 21 day lockdown period. All sectors of society are applauded for supporting Government efforts in the fight against the deadly pandemic. Together we are stronger and we can.

During the lockdown days covered so far, the NPRC noted a commendable level of compliance by citizens (though some attempted to defy the lockdown measures), a remarkable restraint by law enforcement officers (although some few misguided and undisciplined elements tarnished the image of the sector by acts of abusing citizens). The Commission continues to implore cooperation between the state and citizens during the remaining days of the lockdown.

The media played a positive role in informing the nation on Covid-19, the lockdown, compliance by the citizens and enforcement by the security sector. There is need for an improvement of relations between the media and the security sector. The Commission implores the media to practice responsible and peace journalism by avoiding sensationalised reportage. The security sector is also urged to respect the constitutional rights of all accredited media practitioners. Both the security sector and the media are critical and are urged to exercise restraint, maturity, respect and tolerance towards each other in the performance of their constitutional obligations.

The NPRC noted a marked increase in Gender Based Violence (GBV) and implores families to take advantage of this lockdown to build sound relationships, mend broken ones, appreciate one another and live in peaceful coexistence. The State is urged, as prescribed by the law, to take all reported cases of GBV seriously and protect all victims and survivors of GBV during this period.

Government is applauded for the initiative to provide safety nets for the vulnerable and deserving populations of our society as a result of the lockdown. The Commission urges transparency, fairness and non-partisanship in the registration of beneficiaries and the distribution of resources. All stakeholders in the value chain are implored to desist from corrupt and profiteering tendencies.

PEACE BEGINS WITH ME PEACE BEGINS WITH YOU PEACE BEGINS WITH ALL OF US.

The advent of Covid-19 is undoubtedly a threat to international peace and security as world economies are impacted negatively resulting in ripple effects across the globe. The pandemic has added misery to a world already reeling under the burden of climate change. As a member of the global family, Zimbabwe is not spared from these negative effects of this pandemic.

The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission commends the rapid response by the Government of Zimbabwe through the measures already announced by His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa as spelt out in SI 83 of 2020 aimed at the prevention and containment of Covid-19.

The Commission is fully in support of these measures as healthy communities are key in the aspiration of national vision of a peaceful Zimbabwe for all generations.

It is well understood that the measures announced above will impose restrictions on citizens, but for a good cause, curtail any potential spread of the virus.

Citizens are urged to cooperate with all guidelines as set out by government’s Covid-19 Taskforce and to comply with law enforcement authorities while in the exercise of their legally assigned duties during the 21 day lock down period.

This, in the belief of the Commission, will help to reduce conflicts and maintain peace, law and order whilst the measures are in full effect.

The Commission stands ready, in terms of its mandate, to support any efforts to build peace and dissipate conflicts should this become necessary during the containment measures.

We encourage our beloved law enforcement agents to exercise restraint and act within the confines of the law in the discharge of their duties throughout this period. Consideration should be taken to the special needs of women, children, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Unless exempted and permitted by the law, let us stay at home, wash our hands with soap and water and practice social distancing.

TOGETHER WE CAN

PEACE BEGINS WITH ME, PEACE BEGINS WITH YOU, PEACE BEGINS WITH ALL OF US.

National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) Commissioner Charles Masunungure giving objectives of the Consensus Building   workshop between NPRC and Provincial heads of Government  departments  in Mashonaland Central Province.

Commissioner Masunungure pointed out that the purpose of NPRC’s Complaints Handling and Investigations Department is to establish the truth in order to facilitate healing and reconciliation to those affected by conflicts. He also indicated that the Commission will request for assistance from ZRP to conduct investigations.

At the same workshop NPRC Commissioner Choice Ndoro presented the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Strategic Plan.

National Peace  and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) conducted a one and half day training workshop in Harare from the 13^th – 14^th March 2020  for enumerators for  conflict mapping baseline survey in  Harare,  Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East.  NPRC’s Research and Knowledge Management thematic area facilitated the training. The enumerators’ workshop looked at the various conflict epochs in Zimbabwe dating back to the 11^th Century to the current post independent period.

The workshop aimed at equipping the enumerators with basic skills for collecting data for a baseline study. The enumerators’ workshop focused on the following;

• Attributes of a good researcher
• Background to the survey
• Expected outcomes of the study
• Sexual crimes
• Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Index (SCORE)
• Conflict Early Warning Early Response (CEWER).

The workshop indicated the following as objectives of the study;

• To outline the nature, scope, causes consequences, actors and impact of conflicts in identified areas in Zimbabwe’s ten provinces
• Identify community approaches in resolving/ alternative dispute resolution mechanisms

Sub-objectives were also identified as the following;

• To identify types of conflicts whose consequences communities still feel
• Alternative dispute resolution mechanism
• To identify sexual crimes committed against women and girls during conflicts period
• To identify the level  of social cohesion in the country
• To gauge visibility, awareness and impact of NPRC

The Mashonaland East Peace Committee has summarised the major conflicts affecting the Province:

a) Land disputes (residential and farming land including boundary disputes)
b) Political conflicts
c) Partisan distribution of inputs especially along political lines
d) Wanton extraction of natural resources with no social investments
e) Domestic violence and girl child abuse
f) Leadership conflicts in churches

We are committed to transitioning Zimbabwe from a conflictual past to a sustainable, harminious and peaceful society through generations!

NPRC engages the National and Provincial Police Commanders on a Consensus Building/Capacity Enhancement Workshop. The NPRC explains it’s mandate which is enshrined in section 252 of the constitution. The mandate of the NPRC explains what it was created to do.

The broad functions of the NPRC are therefore the following:
a) To ensure post conflict justice,healing and reconciliation.
b)To develop and implement programmes to promote national healing,unity and cohesion in Zimbabwe and peaceful resolution of disputes.
c) to bring about national reconciliation by encouraging people to tell the truth about the past and facilitating the making of amends and the provision of justice.
d) to develop procedures and institutions at a national level to facilitate dialogue among political parties,communities,organisations and other groups,in order to prevent conflicts and disputes arising in the future.
e) to develop programmes to ensure that persons subjected to persecution, torture and other forms of abuse receive rehabilitation treatment and support
f) to receive and consider complaints from the public and to take such action in regard to the complaints as it considers appropriate.
g) to develop mechanisms for early detection of areas of potential conflicts and disputes,and to take appropriate preventive measures.
h) to do anything incidental to the prevention of conflict and the promotion of peace.
I) to conciliate and mediate disputes among communities, organisations, groups and individuals.
j) to recommend legislation to ensure that assistance, including documentation, is rendered to persons affected by conflicts ,pandemics or other circumstances.

The major recommendation for NPRC suggested by Dr Prisca Kamungi is the need to manage expectations by:
a) Establishing the kind of CEWER mechanism that is to be set up;
b) Establishing the legal framework to set up an early warning system;
c) Defining the terms of reference of the CEWER structure
d) Defining institutional arrangements beyond NPRC’s mandate including buy in and linkages with the response organs and political establishment
e) Deal with contentious issues so that no further conflicts are created
Thank you Dr Kamungi