The officers called on politicians to intervene to avoid clashes betweenÂ
supporters of rival political parties.
A traditional chief in the constituency and two villagers were beaten up byÂ
unknown assailants for allegedly unleashing a reign of terror on theÂ
villagers during the run-up to the presidential election runoff of June 27Â
last year.
President Robert Mugabe stood unchallenged after MDC leader MorganÂ
Tsvangirai withdrew from the race. Mugabe claimed victory but the electionÂ
was widely condemned as a sham.
Chief Phineas Makore and two unnamed villagers were recently heavilyÂ
assaulted by unidentified men who accused him of terrorising them during theÂ
run-up to the polls.
According to the villagers, a group of youths recently visited Wepnary FarmÂ
which was being used as a Zanu-PF torture camp and confronted knownÂ
perpetrators of violence during the run-up to the polls.
The group of youths, from the nearby Guni and Muwunde villages, wanted theÂ
alleged perpetrators of violence during the run-up to the polls to explainÂ
why they were beating up people in the area.
Chief Makore and some of his villagers were named as some of the allegedÂ
culprits.
The youths, who were angered by Chief Makore’s alleged involvement in theÂ
destruction of their homes, pounced on him with sticks and stones. The chiefÂ
was injured him in the process. Some of his villagers were also attacked.
Chief Makore confirmed the attack on Friday, adding that he had since made aÂ
report to the police.
"I was attacked by some youths whom I suspect to be MDC supporters," heÂ
said.
"They accused me of beating up people during the run-up to the elections butÂ
the thing is I did not beat up anyone. I have made a report and I thinkÂ
police will arrest the culprits."
Police in Masvingo said they were investigating the case.
"We are investigating that case but so far no one has been arrested ", saidÂ
a police office who requested anonymity.
The situation remains tense in Masvingo following the establishment of theÂ
inclusive government.
Law enforcement agents have called on politicians to intervene to diffuse aÂ
potentially explosive situation.
"The situation remains tense in rural parts of Masvingo especially in Zaka ,Â
Gutu and Mwenezi where there were numerous cases of political violenceÂ
during the run-up to the elections, " said a senior police officer based inÂ
Masvingo.
"We are also calling upon politicians and political parties to embark on aÂ
counselling exercise where those who were victims during the run-up to theÂ
polls have to understand and live harmoniously with those they call theirÂ
enemies.
"Among those who desperately need counselling are war veterans who wereÂ
beating up people with impunity.
"If there is no proper counselling we do not rule out the possibility ofÂ
increased cases of politically motivated violence".
The inclusive government has since nominated ministers of state John NkomoÂ
of Zanu-PF, Sekai Holland (mainstream MDC) and Gibson Sibanda (ArthurÂ
Mutambara-led MDC) to spearhead a national healing process after about aÂ
decade of political violence.
By Owen Chikari