3.1.5 Mashonaland Central
The Zanu PF Annual Conference slated for October 2021 in Bindura Mashonaland Central
province had a bearing on the political, socio- economic environment in the province.
Zanu PF factional raptures manifested ahead of the October conference with citizens being
intimidated and harassed by traditional leaders and ruling party activists. The campaign trail
turned nasty with cases on the right to personal security, political rights and hate speech
being recorded ahead of this conference.
ZPP noted that there has been serious jostling for positions, with the current minister of
Home Affairs Kazembe Kazembe reported to be intimidating other ruling party activists
opposing his desire to grab the post of Mashonaland Chairperson at the conference.
ZPP received reports of attacks and an assassination attempt on former Mugabe
administration Education minister Lazarus Dokora by suspected rivals from Kazembe
Kazembe’s camp.
It is alleged that Dokora who was eyeing the Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial
Chairperson post was targeted on 13 September by alleged hit-men who used claw
hammers to smash his car intending to kill him.
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It is said that Dokora reported the attempt on his life at the Bindura Central police station.
Sources told local publications that the police at Bindura did not entertain his report.
The publication reported the source as saying the attempt on the former minister’s life was
a sign colleagues in Zanu PF’s Mashonaland Central were determined to “eliminate” him
before the provincial elections are held after he emerged as a clear front runner. Verified
reports said that Dokora parked his vehicle and got out.
The assailants came and smashed his door with an intention of killing him with claw
hammers.
Kazembe reportedly pointed a fire arm at some Mashonaland Central Provincial members
who are from a rival faction.
Dokora has since stepped aside and a source told newzimbabwe.com,
This level of violence at the high level affecting the elite of the Zanu PF party hierarchy is
troubling, considering that it is only internal.
It gives a strong early warning that in an election where the party will be facing other
parties, it is likely to use everything at its disposal, including state security agents, to thwart
opposition to its rule.