voters’ serial numbers. Some curious villagers wanted to
programs. The book with serial numbers is being referred to as
know the reason behind the submission of personal
a ‘book of life’ and the appearances of one’s personal details
information and were told that, the names would be used to
in book of life is a sign of loyalty.
distribute rice and other government benefits. It became
apparent to the villagers that those who do not submit their
On 25 January Zimbabwe Partners for Prosperity (ZIPP)
details would be denied government assistance.
convened a meeting in Zvimba West Ward 1 at Nyamangara
Irrigation Scheme Gate after which their prospective
During the funeral of village head Winston Mlambo in Sanyati
supporters were later intimidated. Zanu PF activists were
Ward 12, a village head only identified as Gora is reported to
annoyed with the gathering and intimidated villagers who
have demanded that people form Zanu PF cell groups. It is
attended the meeting.. Villagers who attended the ZIPP
alleged that on 12 January while addressing mourners, Gona
meeting were intimidated by Zanu PF supporters as they were
forced people from different villages to form Zanu PF cell
labelled traitors. Zanu PF supporters are alleged to have used
structures and to surrender their voters’ serial numbers. Gona
abusive language to insult villagers who had attended the
told the gathered villagers to form cell structures noting down
meeting. Villagers who attended the meeting were told that
personal details of cell members and their voters’ serial
they would be dealt with after the elections.
numbers.
In Sanyati District, Ward 2 Westwood village a case of
harassment and intimidation was recorded on 17 January. It is
alleged that, Clara Mhizha* and Laiza Chikerema* from West
Wood village were harassed and intimidated by Zanu PF
activists John Khumalo and Stephen Kurete by being forced to
attend a village cleansing ceremony in which elderly villagers.
A traditional healer was hired to cleanse the village however
ZIPP holding a meeting in Zvimba West
some elderly villagers failed to contribute towards financing
the activity. Kurete falsely accused elderly villagers of being
witches and reiterated that during the Chimurenga wars
On 26 January an incident of intimidation was recorded in
witches used to be killed. He said with the coming of elections
Chegutu East Ward 3 in Msinami village. It is alleged that
suspected witches will be dealt with accordingly.
village head Gideon Msinami intimidated villagers during a
village caucus. Msinami forced villagers to surrender their
Zanu PF ward 17 Councillor, Michael Marecha had a meeting
serial numbers and personal details. Zanu PF youths were told
at Dombwe Farmers Hall demanding voters’ serial numbers
to conduct door to door campaigns collecting these serial
from villagers’ on 21 January. Villagers were forced to submit
numbers. Villagers were petrified with the development and
voters’ registration serial numbers. Villagers who failed were
felt intimidated as they remain unaware of the reason behind
told that they would not benefit in the government relief
submitting serial numbers.
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