In Chakari at Patch-way Business Centre, Zanu PF youths fought due to a misunderstanding over prevailing
economic woes and MDC demonstrations. Three Zanu PF activists were listening to Studio 7 when they
disagreed on the brutality the police used to crush the MDC demonstration. One supporter was assaulted by
two others after he said government had money to contain demonstrations but was failing to provide basic
services to its people.
In Nyanga North, the Manicaland Provincial Committee member, Moses Gutu was attacked at his farm by
suspected fellow party members. This attack came after the outspoken Zanu PF member suggested that the
party should redistribute farms and give those who had passion for farming. Gutu also called for
accountability in government funded agriculture projects including Command Agriculture where inputs are
reportedly misappropriated. Gutu, his wife and 14 year old son were taken to Nyanga District Hospital for
treatment of injuries sustained during the attack.
The persecution and victimisation has reached concerning levels considering that if one makes a fair criticism
or observation they will be penalised for their expressions. Chivi South Legislator, Hon. Killer Zivhu has been
recommended for expulsion by the ruling party for ‘treacherous behaviour’. This was after he appealed to
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa and Advocate Nelson Chamisa’s wife Sithokozile Chamisa, to urge their
husbands to put their differences aside and dialogue to find common ground in order to improve living
conditions of Zimbabweans.
There is an increasingly polarised environment in Zimbabwe.
As the country grapples with many
challenges, there is an increased temperature of intolerance and anger among citizens. In one disheartening
incident in Mbire Ward 7, an MDC activist was forced to pay a fine for burying his brother, who was also an
MDC supporter, under Chief Chitsungo’s jurisdiction. On 1 August, Chief Chitsungo, Village Head
Madyiripanze and Kraal Head Makuwirere compelled the resident to surrender a cow as punishment for
burying his brother without seeking approval. They reportedly told him that he failed to advise the Chief and
his court that he was burying a traitor under their jurisdiction.
During a three day Young Women’s Forum, a Civil Society Organisation, engagement meeting held in
Masvingo town at the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) Hall, politically motivated squabbles
dominated the meeting leading to its postponement. During the opening session, an MDC member narrated
the torture she had gone through, perpetrated by Zanu PF members. One Zanu PF supporter interjected saying