Zimbabwe’s Financial Sanctions List: UK Freezes Assets of Top Officials and Entities

The United Kingdom has released a consolidated list of financial sanctions targets aimed at punishing human rights violators and undermining the rule of law in Zimbabwe.

Targeting Human Rights Violators

The list includes four individuals with alleged ties to serious human rights violations committed by the police and military during the crackdown on post-election protests in August 2018. These sanctions freeze their assets held in the UK and prohibit British citizens from dealing with them.

Designated Individuals

• Godwin Matanga, Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police: designated for his role in overseeing the security forces’ actions that led to six civilian deaths and undermining the rule of law.
• Isaac Moyo, Director General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO): accused of being responsible for acts that constitute serious human rights violations during protests in January 2019.
• Owen Ncube, former Minister of State for National Security: bears responsibility for systematic torture committed by security forces and directing internet services suspension.
• Major General Anselem Sanyatwe, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Tanzania: accused of being responsible for the commission of serious human rights violations by military personnel during an opposition protest in August 2018.

Targeting State- Owned Defence Company

The UK has also targeted ZIMBABWE DEFENCE INDUSTRIES, a state-owned defence company associated with the Government of Zimbabwe and involved in the defence sector. This move aims to undermine the regime’s ability to fund human rights violations and promote instability in the region.

By targeting these individuals and entities, the UK is taking a strong stance against human rights violators and promoting accountability for those responsible for serious abuses.