•
On 16 August 2015, in Muzarabani South, it is alleged, a man had his vegetables
uprooted from his garden by one, Kudakwashe Chifamba. When he approached
Norman the father to Kudakwashe about the issue, Norman allegedly indicated that he
had sent his son to the man’s garden because he does not attend Zanu PF meetings.
Norman is a headman of Ward 26.
M ashonaland East
Fresh farm invasions have been reported in Mashonaland East and these have precipitated
conflict. Additionally, threats and intimidation have been reported in Marondera Central where
the Zanu PF candidate, Lawrence Katsiru, is notorious for allegedly perpetrating violence
against opposition activists in 2008.
•
The Zanu PF Masenda Village, Mudzi West chairperson, Tapiwa Tsuro, called all
villagers to a meeting where he indicated that there was already an election mood and
anyone seen in red clothing items would be labelled a member of MDC-T party. Tsuro
is said to have pointed out that members of the opposition would be dealt with before
2018 elections and perpetrators would not be arrested as their party is above the law.
•
Two members of Zanu PF, Peter Kamonere and John Kapanga, fought on Heroes’ Day
after accusing each other of being ‘gamatox’. Kamonere supports the Mudzi South
2013 candidate who lost to current MP, Jonathan Samkange, while John Kapanga
supports Samkange.
•
Lawrence Katsiru, the Zanu PF candidate for Marondera Central3, allegedly sent Zanu
PF youths to check the number of people who had registered to vote on 19 September.
Residents in Dombotombo, Yellow City, Rusike Phase 1 and Morningside had the
youths demanding registration slips. There was a lot of threatening and intimidation as
Katsiru vowed to deal with those who would try to stop his entry into Parliament. The
Zanu PF secretaries in the area, namely Wiseman Rumwenje, Maria Hove and Margaret
Phiri moved around with three counter books recording names of those who had
registered and noting down their registration numbers. It was indicated that the
registration numbers would be checked after voting and those who would not be on the
list of people who voted for Katsiru would be followed up. This process took place on
28 August 2015. Additionally, on 22 August 2015, Katsiru is alleged to have threatened
voters indicating that those who would not vote for him would be thrown into the
Wenimbi Dam4.
•
Jean Connick, the 83 year-old Mother of Peace orphanage founder, was reported to
have been arrested on 18 August 2015 in Mutoko South. She was arrested over
allegations of mismanaging the orphanage after some teenage boys were reported to
have been sexually assaulting some small girls. The offenders were arrested well
before her arrest. It is alleged that trouble for the old lady started brewing after the
Mavambo/Kusile leader Simba Makoni secretly donated funds at the institution.
Thereafter, it has been alleged, some state agents were sent from highest levels of the
3
Reported incident occurred in August. Katsiru has since won the by-elections.
4
Wenimbi Dam is notorious for dumping political victims.
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