Resist, Reject and Report Violence, #RRRV2023
Harare
The Zanu PF primary elections held on 25 and 26
March in Harare were soiled by incidences of vote
buying, intimidation and violence. Chaotic scenes
were recorded in Chitungwiza, Glenview North and
Glenview South where Zanu PF supporters clashed
with polling administrators when they found their
names missing on the voters roll. In some
incidents anti-riot police were summoned to
arrest perpetrators of violence. The road to the
primary elections had potholes characterised by
intolerance as some contestants defaced posters
of rival candidates. On 24 March Zanu PF youths
affiliated to aspiring legislator Mr Mahachi moved
around Mbare defacing rival candidate Martin
Manyanya’s posters. The youths who were spotted
singing and chanting revolutionary songs moved
around ward 3 pulling down Manyanya’s posters.
On 25 March in Glenview North at Muzerere polling station, Zanu PF activist Emanuel Juta was allegedly arrested for
pointing a pistol at his rivals following clashes during the primary elections. The province recorded ample
incidences of vote manipulation. Vote-buying was reported in Harare East at Courtney Selous and Kamfinsa areas
on 24 March before the primary elections. Prospective voters were given beans, salt, rice and a bucket by Harare
East aspiring legislator Lynnette Mahlaba who was pleading for votes before the primary elections. On 24 March,
Zanu PF Epworth South aspiring legislator Taedzwa Mutana and ward 5 aspiring Councillor Chamunorwa Takunda
nicknamed Hotie were giving people 1 kg rice packs and a packet of spaghetti encouraging residents in ruling party
cell structures to vote for them. In Glenview North ward 30, 2 people per household were given 5 kgs of rice each by
Zanu PF aspiring legislator Witness Zamanga who was contesting against Martin Mambo. Zamanga also gave 20
elderly people 5 kgs of rice before leaving. The distribution was nearly disrupted by residents who were jostling for
the rice.
MARCH 2023
The Zimbabwe Peace Project Monthly Monitoring Report
22