Bulawayo Province
The province recorded an increase in political intolerance following the
nationwide recalls within the Citizen Coalition for Change. At Mpompini line in
Cowdry Park constituency, it was reported that Gerald Ndlovu insulted the
Citizen Coalition for Change candidate Pashor Sibanda with unprintable words
of insults. Ndlovu called Sibanda a dog being used by Nelson Chamisa to
divide Bulawayo Province and further purge members of the Citizen Coalition
for Change that do not conform to the leadership style exhibited by Chamisa.
At ward 1, it was reported that Ndabezinhle Mabhena of Mthwakazi Republic
Party assaulted 2 men for wearing ZANU PF regalia. One of the victims was
slapped five times and manhandled. The matter was reported to the police.
Increased political intolerance was recorded at ward 28 of Cowdry Park, where
ZANU PF activists identified as Commando and Clever Tshuma were going
around intimidating and harassing opposition members. It is said the two are
always at local shops warning to beat all those who would vote for the Citizen
Coalition for Change in the upcoming by-elections.
Matabeleland North Province
Ahead of the by-elections in Binga North, and Lupane West, ZANU PF
violated political rights of the citizens where it intimidated them in the name of
campaigning. At Sinakoma ward 5 of Binga North it was reported that Binga
Rural District Chief Executive Mr Kabome threatened and intimidated villagers
after he warned that they should vote for ZANU PF or else face the harsh
realities. In that meeting the main purpose was to introduce Chineka
Munchimba to the electorate before the by elections which are scheduled for 9
December 2023. Several people turned up for the meeting with a rough
approximation of around 500. Many people were shocked and expressed
disbelief to the threats let alone coming from a civil servant. In the same ward
it was reported that Chief Saba told villagers that anyone seen campaigning
for the opposition party Citizen Coalition for Change shall be beaten up and
expelled from the village. Saba said this during the village head meeting and
warned village heads that they need to mobilise for the party. This is against
the traditional leadership act where custodians of traditional leadership mingle
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