State-perpetuated violence flagged

State perpetrated violence is on the increase in Zimbabwe with 80 000 victims on record since independence, the National Transitional Justice Working Group in Zimbabwe has noted. New Zimbabwe reports that group spokesperson Frances Lovemore said impunity associated with violence supported by the state structures has left thousands of victims unable to secure legal representation. 'We are greatly concerned about the developing situation in Zimbabwe. From post-independence, there has been a vicious cycle to killings, abductions and organised torture of thousands of civilians,' she said. Lovemore said the 'machete wars' fueled by mineral resource conflicts have escalated. 'The state has not protected civilians. Five percent or less of those arrested have managed to get legal representation in courts,' Lovemore added.