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In August, ZPP also recorded cases where citizens were forced to contribute in cash
and in kind toward the Heroes’ Day commemorations. Zanu PF officials demanded
contributions in the form of mealie meal and cooking oil towards the
commemoration. Those who denied or failed to make contributions were threatened
with denial of government inputs.
On 22 August 2022, in Mwenezi East, at Neshuro, there was an event where the Rural
District Council was allocating people flea market stands. They started with those
who had their flea market stands demolished during the lockdowns. Four
unidentified members of the ruling Zanu PF party youths disrupted the process
ordering the person who was calling out names to call out Zanu PF members first, so
that only Zanu PF members would benefit.
In Topo Village Ward 18 in Mudzi South on 5 August it is alleged that villagers were
forced by Zanu PF-aligned village heads to contribute USD$1 each toward the
Heroes’ Day commemorations. Some of the Village heads were Smart Kamupaundi
and Stanford Makona. They stated that the money would be channeled towards
transporting guests and securing refreshments for the commemoration.
On 15 August in Marondera Central at Durawall vending area, it is alleged that the
Zanu PF District Chairperson was forcing vendors to attend political meetings and
gatherings. Those who were not attending Zanu PF meetings were threatened with
eviction from their vending stalls.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project
Monthly Monitoring Report