Jim Kunaka, losing Ward 11 council candidate, Onismo Gore and Edware Chataika, both losing House of Assembly candidates are behind the escalating violence. Hundreds of people are being interrogated and beaten while youths are forced to participate in toyi-toyi night-time marches.
Although the Mbare Residents’ Trust understand that activists must mobilize support for their party, they are concerned at the invasive measures being taken that compromise the peoples’ freedom and safety. One particular concern is the increase in sexual harassment and consequent spread of HIV and AIDS infections.
Female vendors from the Mbare retail market were forced to spend the whole day at Mai Musodzi Hall for a re-orientation meeting. They were lectured on how Zimbabwe attained its independence and what will happen to them if they betray Zanu (PF) in the run-off. The police did nothing to stop these illegal vigils, thereby increasing the insecurity of residents. Â
Chataika has allegedly hired people from Mbare, promising them food and shelter at his house along Ardbernnie road. It is from Chataika’s home that the militia launches its night raids. They have also been accused of looting vendors’ cash and items on sale in the guise of fighting the black market. They have a long list of perceived government opponents who they visit in their homes, demanding that they attend meetings and participate in toyi-toyi marches at night until the presidential run-off is held. Citizens have continued to report night beatings and kidnappings.
Residents are appealing to the police to intervene and maintain the peaceful co-existence of people ahead of the presidential run-off. The trust is appealing to the residents of Mbare to remain calm and desist from acts of violence. – Mbare Residents’ Trust is on mbaretrust@yahoo.com
Post published in: News