argument is that if these were genuine elections, then they should have been
conducted well before the People’s Congress in December 2014. The MDC-T party on
the other hand has had its own challenges contributing to the political environment in
the province. The party is divided along factions aligned to Nelson Chamisa and Douglas
Mwonzora, with Amos Chibaya backing Chamisa while Sesil Zvidzai is on Mwonzora’s
side. The Chamisa/Mwonzora groups have insinuated sharp divisions in the MDC-T run
councils. This has prompted the MDC-T President Mr Morgan Tsvangirai to intervene
with plans to meet with Midlands councillors. The MDC-T break-away group known as
the Renewal Team has some notable presence with recognized individuals such as
Roderick Rudzvara the former MP for Gweru Urban. Rudzvara is now the Provincial
Chair for Midlands in the Renewal Team. Canaan Dzingiso and Clemency Kwaru are in
the secretariat. It appears that most of those who lost or did not make it at the MDC-T
Congress in October 2014 joined the Renewal Team.
30 January 2015 - A Zanu PF activist Malvern Mhondiwa threatened and verbally
assaulted an MDC-T activist at Mabodza Business Centre in Chiundura. Malvern
heard the victim discuss factionalism within Zanu PF and that infuriated him and
in response threatened the victim with a beating. He accused the victim of being
a well known sell-out in the area and threatened him to watch out for his life
come 2018 as Zanu PF will leave no stone unturned in an effort to win the
elections.
Harassment/intimidation
Discrimination
Assault
26
7
1
The events that occurred before and after the Zanu PF congress of December 2014
continue to shape the political landscape in Mashonaland Central province. A
parliamentary seat fell vacant in Mt Darwin West when the former VP Joice Mujuru was
relinquished of her duties. When Zanu PF primary elections were held those perceived
to be aligned to the Joice Mujuru faction were barred from contesting. Alienation and
discrimination in the distribution of resources was used as a weapon to punish those
who were perceived to belong to the wrong political divide. Members of the opposition
party continue to experience discrimination at the hands of Zanu PF supporters.
1 January 2015 - Zanu PF ward 8 Councillor in Bindura North was grabbed by the
collar by Mrs Bvunzawabaya who is the chairperson for Zanu PF in Bindura North.
The victim was accused of being unfaithful to the party because of his allegiance
to the local MP Kenneth Musanhi who was dismissed from the Central
Committee in November 2014 for being aligned to the former VP Joice Mujuru.
Mrs Bvunzawabaya demanded that the victim quit his position in Bindura North
34
Mash Central
Total
Right to personal integrity and human dignity
Right to food, education
Right to personal integrity and human dignity
9