PF was allegedly harassed by one, Thulani Mhlanga on allegations that he still
supported Shamu. He was told that there was no space for Shamu’s supporters.
M asvingo
Political intolerance was rife in the Masvingo province as indicated by a number of incidents
including one, where political opponents are suspected to have set on fire the house of an
MDC-T member. Other incidents in the province were around the collections and forced
contribution of monies for Heroes’ Day celebrations.
• On 24 August 2015, Philimon Magezani (Zanu PF) allegedly verbally assaulted a man
of Chilonga Village, under Chief Chilonga in Chiredzi South accusing him of being a sell
out. The perpetrator was angry when he saw the victim who is an MDC-T member
mobilizing people in the village to attend a rally the following day. On the day in
question, the victim was going around meeting people when he came across the
perpetrator. Magezani said to him “Uri mutengesi (you are a sell out).” The victim
seemed not bothered and continued with his activity.
• On 9 August 2015, in Marozva Village, Chivi South, Bernard Mashawi and Tendai
Chitate of Zanu PF are reported to have forced fifty villagers to pay US$5-00 each
towards the Heroes’ Day celebrations. On the day of the function, 10 August 2015, the
perpetrators harassed and forced two men to leave the venue of the function because
of their close links with the ‘gamatox’. The victims demanded a refund of their donations
but were threatened with physical assault if they continued to be seen milling around
the place.
• A man of Mupandawana Township, Gutu Central had his house set on fire by unknown
arsonists on 23 August 2015. The victim is the MDC-T party chairperson and former
Councillor for Ward 33. He has been instrumental in mobilising vendors to resist
eviction from the streets until the council provides adequate vending shelter. On the
day, the victim was away with friends only to be told at 9pm that his one roomed house
was on fire. He lost property that included a bed and wardrobe. The matter was
reported to the police but the perpetrators are yet to be apprehended. The arson attack
is suspected to be politically motivated considering the mobilisation the victim has
been making over the vendors issue.
•
Councillor of Ward 16, Munashe Pwanyai, a Zanu PF activist allegedly discriminated
against other political parties’ activists when he called only Zanu PF members for a
budget consultative meeting at Masunda South School on 4 August 2015. The meeting
should have been for all people but the councillor chose kraal heads whom he knew
were Zanu PF activists and denied those from other political parties a chance to
contribute.
•
Scores of Zanu PF activists were allegedly threatened by Shakespear Magomana and
Mugove Nhando and told not to attend the funeral of an MDC-T member's father in
Matsveru Village in Ward 16. Hubert Pfidze, an MDC-T activist and the Mayor of
Masvingo City's father passed away and was buried on 25 August 2015. Zanu PF
supporters who attended the funeral did so in fear.
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