missionaries from America. It is reported that the missionaries had visited the
school to offer financial assistance towards the construction of teachers’
accommodation. Chin’ono allegedly approached the Headmaster accusing
him of bringing American spies camouflaged as church pastors. He further
accused the school staff of being MDC-T party activists and promised tough
action against them come 2018. The threats have the potential to deny the
school staff the chance to freely associate with a political party and agencies
of their choice.
Two school teachers, Christopher Jera* from Muzokomba High School and
Munemo* from Muzokomba Primary School were on 22 July threatened with
transfers after attending an MDC-T rally at Mushongwi Business Centre in
Buhera South. It is reported that after the rally the Member of Parliament,
Joseph Chinotimba, summoned Kambira* and Chirau* the headmasters of the
schools, respectively, and ordered them to immediately transfer the teachers
in clear violation of the teacher’s constitutional rights and freedoms of
assembly. The teachers are reportedly living in fear due to the threats and
suspicion that transfers could be effected anytime.
On 19 July at Ngandu Business Centre ward 15 Chimanimani East, Councillor
Panganai Chirongera (Zanu PF) announced that he had been tasked by
government to see that every household pay $1 towards the Heroes Day
celebrations. Councillor Panganai, is alleged to have said those who do not
heed the instruction will be noted down, thus violating chapter 4 section 67 of
the Constitution in which people can make political choices freely. The
villagers argued that making the contribution is a political choice and should
be done without threats and coercion.
On the 20 July at a village meeting in Nyahondo ward 5 Chimanimani East,
Chisiku Manase and Matsiyo (Zanu-PF) forced each household to pay $1 and
2kg of maize towards the Heroes Day celebrations. Sydney Mukamba* (MDCT) and others felt that the order violated their political right to freely participate
without coercion.
The ceremony to install Chief Marange failed to take place on 16 July 2016
upon realizing Dzoma Marange the one to be installed is an MDC-T party
sympathizer. It is reported that Christopher Mushowe (Member of Parliament)
gave instructions for the cancellation of the function. The Member of
Parliament did not elaborate why. Suspicion is that Dzoma is not the political
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