In a case of intra party fighting Obey Mutuma* (ZimPF) from Gwenyaya
village ward 16 Chivi Central is reported to have been assaulted by Phinias
Zivuku also a ZimPF activist on 10 July. The two were drinking beer when
Zivuku accused Mutuma of being greedy and failing to invite him to a rally at
Macheke stadium. It is alleged Zivuku tore Mutuma’ Zim PF t-shirt and pushed
him to the ground in public thus violating the victim’s personal and human
dignity.
On 18 July, a youth officer, Privilege Matorofa of Gwitima Business Centre
Chivi Central, is reported to have threatened Headman Magadzire*, Michael
Mavengere* and others with unspecified action for their inclusion of MDC-T
members on the social welfare food aid program. Matorofa told the gathered
village Heads to consider people that support the Zanu-PF government when
listing beneficiaries of food assistance. The uttered words have the potential
to cause denial of food assistance to the under privileged as well as those in
opposition party politics. Chivi District is perennially drought stricken and
people need support both from government and development agencies.
In another case of political intolerance and intra party conflict the Masvingo
Zanu-PF provincial committee led by Amasa Nenjama (acting Chairperson) is
alleged to have suspended eleven provincial executive members accusing
them of insubordination and causing factionalism in the party. Lucky Moyo*,
Admire Nechamba*, politburo member Peter Danda* and others. The
suspended lot are alleged to belong to the Team Lacoste camp a group
believed to symphathise with Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Matabeleland South
Mat South was the pioneer of the large scale nationwide protests which engulfed the
whole country. From July 1 to 3 Beitbridge residents and cross border shoppers went
on massive demonstrations against the imposition of ban on imported goods. 36
people were arrested and the matter is still before the courts. The demonstration was
unique in that for the first time it was not organized by political parties but was just
spontaneously mobilised by citizens. The protesters among them many of the people
who made a living from cross border trade burnt the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
wareness in a bid to show that their livelihood had been affected. The province
continued to endure hunger due to the drought. After the demonstrations the
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