Financial Crime World

Zimbabwe Officials Sanctioned for Human Rights Abuse

Washington D.C., USA - The US government has imposed sanctions on six high-ranking Zimbabwean officials accused of human rights abuse, including abduction and assault of over 50 people.

Sanctioned Individuals

The following individuals have been sanctioned:

  • Vice President Constantino Chiwenga
  • Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri
  • Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga
  • Deputy Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba
  • Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) Deputy Director General Walter Tapfumaneyi
  • State Security Minister Owen Ncube

Serious Human Rights Abuse Allegations

According to a statement released by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), these officials have been responsible for or complicit in serious human rights abuse, including:

  • Torture
  • Beatings
  • Whippings at ZRP stations
  • Stripping, beating, and whipping opposition supporters
  • Forcing false confessions

Sanctions Aim to Hold Individuals Accountable

The sanctions aim to hold these individuals accountable for their actions and prevent them from accessing the US financial system. The OFAC has blocked all property and interests in property of the designated persons within the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons, effective immediately.

Commitment to Protecting Human Rights

“We will not tolerate human rights abuse and corruption that threaten the stability of international political and economic systems,” said a senior US official. “These sanctions demonstrate our commitment to protecting the values that form an essential foundation of stable, secure, and functioning societies.”

Designated Individuals and Entities

In addition to Chiwenga, Muchinguri, Matanga, Mutamba, Tapfumaneyi, and Ncube, the US has also designated several other Zimbabwean officials under Executive Order 13818 for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged in serious human rights abuse.

Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act

The sanctions are part of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which aims to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption. The US seeks to protect its financial system from abuse by these individuals and entities.

For more information on the designated individuals and entities, please visit the OFAC website at www.treasury.gov.