favourite. It must be noted that the appointment of traditional leaders based
on political reasons violates section 281 (2) that they should not be members
of any political party or participate in partisan politics. The acting Chief, Gilbert
Marange who is believed to be the political favourite was told to stay put until
local government makes a decision.
On July 16, a ZimPF rally at Sakubva stadium was sabotaged by Esau
Mupfumi, the Member of Parliament. Mupfumi is alleged to have sent word to
Sakubva, Dangamvura and Chikanga that Zanu-PF was allocating residential
stands and that all those in need of stands should go and register. Thousands
thronged Mupfumi’s housing stands while the ZimPF rally had approximately
700 people in attendance.
Mutare City Council on 1st July hiked hospital consultation fees from $5 to $9
while maternity fee went from $15 to $35 in council clinics. The residents are
saying the fees are way beyond their reach and violate their socio economic
rights of affordability and accessibility of health services.
Mashonaland Central
The highlight of Mashonaland Central province was the by-election in Mazowe North.
The Mazowe North by-election was conducted in a peaceful manner with no
incidents of violations on the voting day however people’s right to vote had been
violated prior to the voting day. People were threatened with assault and denial of
food aid if they voted for the opposition party. Youths were promised residential
stands if they voted for the Zanu PF candidate. It was reported that in areas such as
Mvurwi there was a low voter turnout as some people were not happy with the
imposed Zanu PF candidate.
Highlights
On 6th July at 8am Penina Chimombo* was ordered to remove the Zanu PF
t/shirt she was wearing by MDC-T youths led by Steven Zarira. Penina*, a
vendor, was told that anyone seen wearing the Zanu PF t/shirts was going to
be beaten up. The victim had to go back home to remove the t/shirt. The
incident happened in ward 17, Glendale, Mazowe South.
On the 8th some residents of Bindura were forced by Zanu PF youths to
attend a rally at Chipadze stadium which was going to be addressed by
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