by Philip Chinovava what he wanted since he was an MDC-T member. He told them
that he wanted to join Zanu-PF but was told to go back home. After he left it was
reported that Chinovava told his colleagues (Chinovava’s) that they were going to
deal with him in 2018 as he wanted to spy on Zanu-PF to report to MDC-T.
On 18 April 2016, MDC-T supporters had a gathering at Fiyadho Township in Ward
27, Chikomba East where they were demanding their freedoms as they said that they
were not fully independent. Zanu-PF supporters, John Chaga and Nguvayapera
Gonyora, also went to the gathering with MDC-T supporters. At the end of the day
Chaga and Gonyora started insulting Stephen Jangano and Earnest Nzanga (not real
names). This angered other MDC-T supporters present who wanted the two Zanu-PF
supporters to be thrown out. Gonyora and Chaga dropped a booklet where they had
written names of all MDC-T supporters who were present at the gathering. The two
wanted to give feedback to their party about the people who were present at the
MDC-T gathering. This was verified by the secretary for logistics in MDC-T in
Chikomba East.
On 12 April 2016, a meeting was held in Ward 7, Goromonzi West, where the agenda
was to inform them on how they were going to fund raise for Independence Day
celebrations. It was reported that every household was supposed to pay US$2 for the
celebration but most people could not afford to pay due to financial constraints. Those
who did not pay were labelled opposition party members although some of the ZanuPF supporters could not afford the amount. Only US$15 was raised.
On 30 April 2016, one Musafari Chikoto of Ward 26, Mutoko South, was threatened
by Zanu-PF supporters for being a member of a peace club. He was quizzed about his
involvement in the peace club which had been set up by a non-governmental
organisation. He was summoned to a hearing by Chirowa, the Zanu-PF district
chairperson and he tried to explain to them that they were working with churches not
political parties. He was threatened with assault in 2018.
Mashonaland West
The month of April which is a significant month for our country where we celebrate the
country’s Independence had a number of violations where people’s rights were violated in
Mashonaland West. In Magunje, a Zanu-PF youth was reportedly writing down names of all
MDC-T youths who went to Karoi for their party meeting promising to deal with them in
2018. A women’s church gathering was barred for allegedly having invited ZimPF leader,
Joice Mujuru, to be their guest speaker as a fellow Christian woman. The elders of the
church were accused of planning a political meeting. People were forced to contribute
towards Independence Day Celebrations in most constituencies including Chegutu East and
Zvimba West being forced to pay US$1 and US$2 respectively. There are some areas where
maize distribution is still being politicised by local leaders. In Mhondoro-Ngezi, a woman
was prevented from receiving her allocation of maize because of her political affiliation. The
worrying fact is that the local leadership, especially village heads are said to be then allegedly
selling excess maize at US$2.50 per bucket and using the money to buy beer while some
families starve.
17