On 6 October 2015, Sarah Muti (not real name), a suspected MDC-T
member was allegedly verbally harassed and threatened by Jairos Badza
and Morelife Katswa of Zanu-PF at St Bids Business Centre in Nyanga
North. On the day in question, the victim was discussing and commenting
on the First Lady’s visit to Chimanimani. After the discussion, the actors
who were standing at a distance approached the victim and threatened
to assault her for her negative comments. The actors promised to
dispossess her of her flea market situated at the business centre.
Mashonaland Central
The province had cases of forced meetings in Guruve and Mazowe South. The
First Lady Grace Mugabe visited Rushinga in Mashonaland Central. She brought a
lot of goods and equipment to be distributed, but the rally became chaotic
when some people were injured during a stampede for free food and clothing
items. Intra-party conflict within Zanu-PF was experienced affecting those
suspected to sympathise with former Vice President Mujuru. There were also
reports of death threats allegedly made by some members of the ruling party.
Religion was also seen to be used to intimidate residents as prophets prophesy
doom (and threats) in the name of Zanu-PF.
Members of the opposition party experienced harassment and intimidation for
their affiliation.
Highlights:
In Mt. Darwin East, eight MDC-T supporters, who were allocated land by a
village headman, are likely to lose it as the neighbouring Bingura family
is allegedly claiming the land. The land once belonged to a woman who
was married in the Bingura family, but left the place after divorce and
has since died. Headman Kapudzaruwa allocated it to the eight young
men. The Bingura family went on to engage Chief Dotito to come and
intervene in their favour. Chief Dotito said he will make a ruling after
consulting with the district administrator but has allegedly indicated that
the eight homes of the young men will be destroyed. Although the land
was legally allocated by the headman, it is feared that the leaders want
to punish the young men and the village head because they belong to
MDC-T.
Villagers of Nyamuseve Farm in Guruve North were forced to attend
Zanu-PF meetings three times a week in Ward 21 in October. In Mt.
Darwin South, Zanu-PF youths led by Tinashe Kapete allegedly moved
around the area forcing people to attend a restructuring exercise of the
party. On 10 October 2015, they force-marched Peter Sungu (not real
name) from his home to the venue. It is believed they wanted to fix him
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