Provincial Outlook
DECEMBER, 2023
Midlands
In Midlands province, ZPP recorded socio-economic rights violations. There was an increase in
partisan allocation of Pfumvudza inputs by ZANU PF activists. In Shurugwi South, Ward 5 it was
reported that a ZANU PF activist identified as Mujubeki Murambiwa deprived four beneficiaries on the
basis that they are not appearing on the ZANU PF cell group records. Murambiwa is said to have told
the community that one should be ZANU PF first to be eligible to receive food aid and other farming
inputs. At Charandura village ward 23 of Chirumhanzu, it was reported that David Mataruse of ZANU
PF disrupted a distribution of Pfumvudza. Mataruse accused his fellow members of distributing the
inputs to opposition members. It is said Mataruse later took over the program and deprived five
households on the basis that they are opposition activists.
Matebeleland South
Cases of threats, harassment and intimidation were recorded across the political divide. At ward 23 of
Matobo South, it was reported that Ndodana Moyo of PF ZAPU threatened to assault CCC members
who were reportedly using Joshua Nkomo’s name in their campaign processes. Moyo made these
remarks during a burial ceremony for one of the war veterans. It is said that Moyo further labelled CCC
members as ‘dogs and sellouts’.
ZPP also recorded electoral malpractice and political intolerance in the run up to the by-election. Prior
to the by-election of Beitbridge West, it was reported that Reason Muleya was seen defacing campaign
posters of Morgen Moyo of Citizens Coalition for Change and PF ZAPU candidate Toriso Phiri. It is
said that Muleya defaced and in some instances completely removed them. Defacing or removing
posters of other candidates in the electoral cycle is a malpractice and violation of an electoral act.
Matebeleland North
In preparation of the December 9 by-elections, the province witnessed the attempt to shrink CCC’s
campaigning space by ZANU PF. The ruling party harassed, intimidated, and threatened citizens. At ward 5
of Tsholotsho North, it was reported that ZANU PF member Clement Mnkandla told villagers that anyone
seen wearing regalia for the Citizens Coalition for Change shall be assaulted. It is said that Mnkandla made
warnings that even if the constituency had an opposition Member of Parliament, they were prepared to
overthrow him by any means necessary. A similar case was witnessed in Ward 2 of Umguza constituency, it
was reported that Sally Moyo a ZANU PF activist was going around homesteads threatening to evict
suspected CCC supporters. Moyo was making remarks that villagers of Heany Junction were given land by
the ruling party and hence those that fail to support the party shall be evicted.