To boost their numbers in the upcoming elections, the ruling party has since targeted
vendors through coercive tactics to take part in their campaign activities. In the same
incident, it was reported that Annastancia Ndlovu, a journalist with Voice of America was
assaulted by a group of Zanu PF members. Ndlovu was recording the experiences of
vendors who were being forced by Zanu PF to register in cell groups.Ndlovu a journalist was
manhandled and assaulted for recording the experiences of the vendors. She had her
phone confiscated and later given back to her.
Political intolerance continued to surge in the province. This is evidenced by a case at
Sizinda Shops where it was noted that Thabani Magutshwa of Mthwakazi Republic Party
was going around the shops insulting Zanu PF and CCC supporters with unprintable words.
Magutshwa stated that non-Ndebele speakers should not be voted in any parliamentary
and council seats in the name of representing the Bulawayo electorate.
Matabeleland North Province
At Lupane Centre, it was reported that a Zanu PF activist identified as Jonathan Vundla
was going around the shops instructing shop keepers to campaign for the ruling party.
Verified facts indicate that Vundla made a warning remark that the shopkeepers should at
least display a Zanu PF poster in their shops to be protected. Vundla further underscored
that those that fail to comply might have their licences revoked. The continued intimidation
and harassment were aimed at forcing the victims to join the ruling party.
On 19 July in Saba village, ward 9 of Binga North, it was recorded that Chief Saba whose
name is Charles Mudenda told villagers that anyone seen campaigning for the opposition
party CCC shall be beaten up and expelled from the village. Saba said this during the
village meeting where he further intimidated the opposition supporters of CCC. His
continued partisan approach violates Section 281 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe
Amendment (No. 20) Act of 2013 that clearly prohibits traditional leaders from being
members of any political party, participating in any politics or to further any interests of any
political party to that effect. According to the Constitution, traditional leaders should treat
all persons within their areas equally and fairly.
Matabeleland South Province
Political intolerance coupled with electoral malpractice was recorded in Bulilima
constituency. On 25 July, at Plumtree ward 1, it was reported that a member of the
Mthwakazi Republic Party identified as Cephas Mlotshwa tore posters of candidates
belonging to Zanu PF and the CCC. It is said that Mlotshwa was remarking that the said
parties do not reflect the regional agenda and are all headquartered in Harare. Tearing of
posters of other candidates is against the Electoral Act.
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