who were suspected of being members of the ZimPF. The incident happened in ward
9 of Chegutu West.
On 22 June 2016, Councillor Ethilege Mbangani and the Zanu PF youth chairperson
in ward 16 Chegutu East, Simba Mutori allegedly forced people to go to ward 20
where there was a Zanu PF meeting. Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa was
expected to address the meeting. Mbangani told the people to attend the meeting as
the Vice President was facilitating for them to get maize. The councillor capitalised
on the fact that the community had food shortages due to the drought. Most people are
reported to have attended against their wishes but were drawn by the possibility of
getting food.
Peter Mhotsi* (54) of Milverton village ward 2 Chakari constituency was harassed by
Crispen Baye (42) of the same village. This happened on 25 June 2016 at Milverton
School grounds. The victim was reportedly accused of dividing the players of
Milverton football team which is believed to only have Zanu PF players.
Masvingo
Masvingo in general as a province has been noted to violate the rights of opposition activists
and those of civil society organisations as most activities of these groups were obstructed in
one way or the other.
The various towns dotted in the province witnessed congestion at banks as the public tried to
withdraw cash from the banks which in the period faced serious cash shortages. The situation
was made worse when the government announced the postponement of pay dates for civil
servants due to budgetary constraints.
The many ZimPF party meetings failed to take place in areas such as Chivi and Zaka due to
intimidation and harassment targeted at the organizers.
Major Highlights
In Zaka East, the councillor for ward 20 Faustino Chigevenga (Zanu PF) is reported to
have refused to authorize the local Health Inspector one Chizingizi* of Zibowa Clinic
to distribute mosquito nets in the ward claiming that the party chairperson had to be
informed first. This happened on June 6 despite the fact that this was a government
program which is supposed to be non partisan thus respecting the rights of all. In rural
areas, Zanu PF chairpersons are known to call the shots in whatever program is
initiated.
In another case of political intolerance, on June 14, Fungai Mdzingo and Taitya Govo
(Zanu PF) both of Gandashanga village ward 16 Chivi Central verbally harassed
Adiel Mpofu* (ZimPF) and accused him of belonging to a party of sell outs it is
alleged. The incident took place at Nyamakwe Irrigation Scheme where people were
doing food for work programs-clearing the water canals. The actor said that the local
councillor Munashe Pwanyai had made a mistake to include the victim in the
program. They said that this was a Zanu PF government initiated program and only
those that support the party should benefit going at variance with government policy
where food and other goods are supposed to be distributed fairly regardless of
political affiliation.
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