Mashonaland Central
The province remained a political hotspot and a no-go area for opposition supporters.
Zanu PF's intimidation tactics reached concerning levels as villagers were forced to
fundraise for the ruling party's 2023 election campaigns. In some communities' villagers
were terrified by Zanu PF's threats to eliminate opposition supporters in 2023. Cases were
reported where vendors were forced to contribute towards Zanu PF programs in the name
of community development. In Bindura North, Zanu PF activists reportedly deceived
vendors into contributing monies towards constructing a public toilet, only for them to be
seen drinking beer after receiving contributions. The targeting of perceived opposition
supporters by Zanu PF continued as the nation heads toward the 2023 elections. A case on
the right to personal security was reported in Guruve North Ward 6 under Chief Chipuriro's
jurisdiction. Patrick Chiwara was allegedly summoned to a Central Intelligence
Organisation office in Guruve, where he was questioned in connection with his political
affiliation with the Citizens Coalition for Change party. During the conversation, some
intelligence officers threatened that all opposition supporters would be severely tortured
and punished in 2023. As the victim left the office, he was also told to warn his colleagues
that Zanu PF was prepared to punish all traitors working with the CCC party ahead of the
2023 general elections.
In ward 28, Mazowe North Mvurwi, Zanu PF district chairperson Cde Chiwara issued threats
of abduction to CCC activist Vengai Matiriri. On 21 September, Chiwara told Matiriri that he
might go missing for supporting the CCC party. Following the threats, the victim
immediately made a police report at the Mvurwi police station. The case was later referred
to Bindura Law and Order for investigation (RRB5150217). In Guruve, Zanu PF affiliated
land barons were distributing state land to unsuspecting villagers. On 16 September, some
land barons identified as Banda, Benji, and Chireru were allocating land for residential
stands to villagers charging them exorbitant amounts in US dollars. It is alleged that some
villagers were robbed of their hard-earned monies through the double allocation of stands
resulting in clashes. In other reports, Guruve District Education Officer Nhokwara, also the
Zanu PF Chairperson in Guruve North, reportedly harassed Maxwell Bisiyawo, a trade
unionist and teacher, at Angwa Secondary School in Guruve North. Reports indicate that
Nhokwara approached Bisiyawo several times, advising him to resign from the education
sector for working with the Guruve Residents and Rate Payers Association (GRRA). It is
alleged that he has warned Bisiyawo to resign before he gets fired.
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