Matabeleland North
Matabeleland North province witnessed
political intolerance perpetrated by a powerful
traditional leader. During the Independence Day
celebrations at Lupane Centre, it was reported
that John Khumalo who is acting Chief
Mabhikwa told the participants that they should
all vote for Zanu PF and nothing else. He warned
villagers that those that will vote for opposition
parties will be removed from benefiting from the
social services list. Simmering intra-party
violence appears to be an entity that is lingering
within Citizen Coalition for Change.
In Bubi constituency in ward 5, it was reported
that Irvine Mabhena of CCC intimidated others
to beat up other party members if they imposed
candidates. It is said that Mabhena stood up
during the candidate selection process and
threatened to beat up party members who
impose candidates or violate the process. His
remarks were coupled with unprintable words.
Matabeleland South
Vote buying and campaigning using food aid
was witnessed in Matebeleland South during
the month. It was noted that at Stanmore, a
Zanu PF activist identified as Gilbert Dube
denied Tshuma a bucket of maize citing that the
latter does not appear in the cell group records.
Tshuma is a well-known Mthwakazi activist who
refused to be part of the cell groups. That is how
Dube used to deprive him food. Political
intolerance was recorded in Sanzukwi Business
centre of Mangwe constituency, where Bernard
Msipha of Mthwakazi Republic Party tore Citizen
Coalition for Change party posters.
Msipha allegedly remarked that they won't allow
non-Ndebele/Kalanga led political parties to
campaign in the area.
THE ZIMBABWE PEACE PROJECT MONTHLY MONITORING REPORT | APRIL 2023
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