Manicaland Province
In Manicaland cases of political intolerance were on the rise ahead of the 2023
harmonised elections. It is alleged that members of the Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ)
were intimidating villagers in Makoni West around Mavhudzi, Matsika and Chiduku areas.
On 22 July, they openly told villagers that they will bring a list of people who will be allowed
to vote in the area. “All those whose names do not appear on our list will not be allowed to
vote”, said an unnamed FAZ member at Chiduku primary school where they addressed
parents and teachers. On 26 July, Zanu PF held a meeting at St Bedes Tswatswa shopping
centre in ward 13, Makoni West. The meeting was scheduled for everyone to attend without
fail. It is alleged that in his address, Zanu PF district chairperson Mr D Totohwiyo intimidated
people to support the ruling party Zanu PF or face a reign of terror after elections. People
were reportedly warned to vote for Zanu PF to stay safe and continue benefiting
government aid. A woman was warned in full view of villagers to advise her children to stop
CCC activism and join Zanu PF before it's too late. A case on the right to human dignity
was reported at Chegore Secondary School in Mutare North on 28 July 2023. It is alleged
that the school staff led by the head Mr Kuziva assaulted female students which infringed
on their rights to human dignity. The staff reportedly assaulted girls on the buttocks
accusing them of engaging in sexual activities and love affairs within the school premises. It
said the victims were made to lie down on their bellies to receive the corporal punishment.
Masvingo Province
The intimidation and victimisation of villagers as a means to force them to be part of the
Zanu PF cell structures was a worrying record. In Bikita East, Zanu PF activists identified as
Mary Ngongoni told citizens that they needed to rally behind Zanu PF and all the activities
of the ruling party. Allegedly, Ngongoni further instructed all village heads to identify and
punish individuals in the community that fail to attend Zanu PF activities. In Bikita East at
Gangare Primary in ward 21, it was reported that Zanu PF aspiring councillor Vengai
Muchini announced that all civil servants were to be visited by the ruling party agents to
monitor where they had registered to vote. Muchini went on to announce that civil servants
who vote for the opposition are likely to lose their jobs and get blacklisted from any
government employment. In that meeting the ruling party and FAZ activist Jaison Mungovi
forced all civil servants to chant Zanu PF slogans. In Bikita South, ward 1 a Zanu PF activist
identified as Tafirenyika Rashai intimidated the school administration and teachers at
Gawa Primary. It is alleged that Tafirenyika ordered the School Development Committee to
stop operating as they were all suspected CCC supporters. It is said that Tafirenyika told
teachers to attend local Zanu PF activities to avoid being beaten and punished.
In Chivi North constituency in ward 18, a case of malicious damage was recorded where
CCC aspiring candidate had his main house, shop and kombi vandalised by Zanu PF and
FAZ activists. The attack was led by a guy identified as Mufesi who appeared to be giving
directives while others were vandalising. The attack came shortly after the candidate and
the party members had completed the training of election agents at Wilson’s homestead.
Assailants went on to attack the Mashuri shop at Gwitima Business Centre where it is
alleged, they beat up a shopkeeper and a bottle store attendant. Another similar case was
recorded in Chiredzi South in ward 6 and 7, where it was reported that huts belonging to
members of the CCC got torched. The victims were targeted as they are active members of
the CCC.
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