Matabeleland North
Political intolerance was recorded at Mafanisa village where Zanu PF activists led
by Sham Dube intimidated and threatened Semukele Tshabangu. Reports show
that Dube and crew accused Tshabangu of being a member of MDC-T and that she
had sold her stand to a man they described as an enemy of the state. While
Tshabangu was still at her stand helping the builder, Zanu PF youths arrived and
manhandled her. Reports also indicate that they also destroyed the fowl run
which was being built by the builder. The matter was reported to the chief. It is
clear from this case, that Zanu PF has declared some rural constituencies as ‘no
go’ areas for the opposition parties.
For the sixth time, Chief Saba has been recorded as the main perpetrator in
closing operational space for opposition activists in Binga. It was reported that
Chief Saba summoned all village heads from Siansundu, Lubanda and Saba
villages for an urgent meeting at his homestead. In that meeting the Chief
recalled and fired all village heads perceived to be aligned to the opposition,
particularly CCC. Verified facts state that the chief instructed all village heads to
drum up support for Zanu PF and lead in registering citizens into the party cell
group structures. His actions contravene the Traditional Leaders Act and the
Constitution which prohibit traditional leaders from partaking in any political
activities.
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