by moving to where the victim was seated and punched her several times in the
face. The victim did not fight back.
On 24 November 2015, Zanu-PF supporter, Eunah Choto (not real name) of
Chikanga 2 Mutare was allegedly physically assaulted by Netsai Bumba and
Sungano Mariri also of Zanu-PF because of her perceived links with the People
First party project. The incident happened at Mutare Hall soon after the party’s
provincial executive meeting chaired by Sandi Moyo, the deputy secretary in the
Women’s League. Moyo had come to resolve political differences in the league.
After the meeting, the perpetrators confronted Choto and accused her of working
secretly for People First. Before she could answer she was slapped in the face. The
perpetrator claimed that people like Choto were creating problems in the party.
In another case of political intolerance, on 24 November 2015, a village head in
Grange Resettlement Ward 21 Mutasa South, was allegedly physically assaulted
by, one, Danger Chikwariro. Both individuals belong to Zanu-PF but different
factions. Chikwariro is believed to be rooting for the First Lady while Masukume
is in the Mnangangwa camp. It is alleged that Chikwariro punched the victim
using a clenched fist after the victim had said Mnangagwa would make a better
leader than the First Lady.
In an effort to boost funding for the party’s Victoria Falls conference on 30
November 2015, Zanu-PF member, Chipatso, of Headlands allegedly forced
people in Ward 32 to contribute US 50cents each towards the successful hosting of
the conference. Even well known members of the MDC-T were forced to pay.
They were threatened with eviction from their homes if they did not pay, and the
victims complied out of fear and for the purpose of securing their stay in the area.
In Chipinge Central, villagers were allegedly forced to buy Zanu-PF membership
cards by Chikwanda, a war veteran. The membership cards cost US$3-00, a fee
that is exorbitant to the rural folk. The villagers were told that the electronic cards
would be used to access government assistance. Chikwanda supposedly told them
that in future, anyone without the card should not bother to seek government aid as
absence of the card is clear indication that one is an opposition party member. It is
significant to note that Chipinge Central and Chipinge East have embarked on a
massive membership recruitment drive. some 5 km before Mt Selinda Mission.
Mashonaland Central
Mashonaland Central province continues to be ripped apart by politics. In the month of
November and as always, people who were viewed as enemies of the ruling Zanu-PF
party were harassed, intimidated and discriminated against. This has become
characteristic of this province. Non-governmental organizations are viewed as pro –
MDC-T hence anyone associating with them is viewed negatively. A certain woman was
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