Resist, Reject and Report Violence, #RRRV2023
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Provincial Outlook
Mashonaland Central
The Zanu PF primary elections convened in Mashonaland Central were marred by incidences of
violence, intimidation and stuffing of ballot boxes. The campaign trail turned violent in Mazowe West. An
aspiring legislator in Mazowe West Christopher Makweza assaulted Zanu PF Munhangari district
chairperson Chinga Tsenkwende of plot 8 Wengi farm Concession, after he told him that he would not
stand with Cabinet Minister Kazembe Kazembe in the primary elections. Makweza who had come to
campaign in the district was told to try other districts, which triggered emotions leading to the assault.
The case was reported at Concession police station (RRB 5168387). On 26 March in Mazowe North, Zanu
PF officials were reportedly caught with a box full of filled-in ballot papers. The police reportedly
arrested Zanu PF parliamentary candidate Tsungai Makumbe and Justice Marufu following discovery of
651 filled-in ballot papers from the party’s primary election. Reports indicate that Makumbe who was
contesting for the parliamentary seat against Campion Mugweni, Martin Dinha, and Tafadzwa Musarara
was arrested and taken to Mvurwi police (RRB5323373). Musarara reportedly withdrew from the race
citing the irregularities. On 18 March in Mazowe South Glendale, Zanu PF ward 17 Councillor Cde Dominic
Chimumba who was contesting for the Mazowe South parliamentary position allegedly distributed
horticultural seed packs to Glendale residents. Many people received farming inputs as Chimumba
pleaded with them to vote for him. On 17 March Zanu PF convened a rally in Mazowe West Concession
which was addressed by Minister Kazembe. Residents who included farm workers were given free
transport to and from the venue. All attendees were reportedly given a 2-piecer Chicken Mart lunch
while lunch packs were handed to police details and intelligence personnel present.
MARCH 2023
The Zimbabwe Peace Project Monthly Monitoring Report
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