UK slaps sanctions on four Zimbabwe security chiefs for human rights abuses
The United Kingdom has announced its first set of designations of Zimbabwean individuals in the wake of alleged human rights violations by the Mnangagwa regime.
State Security Minister Owen Ncube, police chief Godwin Matanga, Central Intelligence Organization supremo Isaac Moyo and former presidential guard Anselem Sanyatwe are subject to assert freeze and travel bans imposed by the UK government.
This development flies in the face of attempts at re-engagement by the Mnangagwa administration.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab who made the announcement, said the restrictions are not targeted at Zimbabweans nor the country’s economy.
These sanctions send a clear message that we will hold to account those responsible for the most egregious human rights violations, including the deaths of innocent Zimbabweans.
“These sanctions target senior individuals in the Government, and not ordinary Zimbabweans. We will continue to press for the necessary political and economic reforms that will benefit all Zimbabweans,” he said.
The sanctions come in the wake of violently disrupted protests in August 2018 and January 2019 when the security apparatus is alleged to have killed several protestors.
