MDC Houses Burned and Officials Arrested in Muzarabani

The latest reports were received from Muzarabani, where on Monday the houses of several MDC activists were burnt down. Exact numbers have not yet been determined. However, it is believed 2 ZANU-PF youths were arrested in the incident. On Sunday, also in Muzarabani, ward election agent Muchemwa Chihota and MDC activist Munyaradzi Nyama were arrested. It is not clear what they are being charged with but it is believed they held a meeting to discuss election strategies. Dozens of MDC officials have been arrested around the country for engaging in activities related to the March elections. This includes activities such as conducting private meetings, putting up posters, trying to obtain voter registration details and singing on a MDC campaign music album, all of which are all legal activities. Luke Tamborinyoka, MDC information and publicity secretary, said: What is clear here is that ZANU-PF has not changed its spots. ZANU-PF remains ZANU-PF, regardless of the pretence of holding free and fair elections.Regarding the recent violence and arrests, Tamborinyoka confirmed that some officials in Muzarabani had their houses burnt by ZANU-PF supporters. Also in Ruwa over the weekend, two activists who nominated the local MDC candidates for the parliamentary race were visited by ZANU-PF youths and beaten. On Friday at Harare Railway Station, a musician named Dread and his girl friend were arrested whilst boarding the train for Mutare to perform at the MDC manifesto launch. Tamborimyoka said they were released on Monday on Z$50 million bail. Tamborimyoka said the MDC is going into elections with a heavy heart knowing the playing field is not leveled. He explained that they want to expose the abuses of the Mugabe regime and document any rigging that may take place.