MUTOKO - Not content with the pain and suffering they inflicted by perpetrating political violence in this constituency last year, Zanu (PF) militants are now adding insult to injury by preventing their victims from receiving assistance from well wishers. Speaking to The Zimbabwean, Mutoko South Shadow Member of Parliament, Silas Gweshe, said several organizations had come to the area to offer assistance but victims were reluctant to come forward after being threatened with dire consequences by the Zanu (PF) thugs. Some doctors came and helped 50 people who were attacked last year, however, some of the people who received medication and were due for review did not return after they were threatened by known Zanu (PF) supporters, including war veterans, Gweshe said.
Humanitarian organizations have converged on Mutoko with foodstuffs as most of the people had their crops destroyed last year by thugs. They have also offered building materials for those whose houses were destroyed. There are several people who received building materials but they are yet to start construction due to massive intimidation in the area, said Gweshe.
Among those at the forefront of instilling fear in the area is Zanu (PF) District Chairman for Mudzi South, Ascort Kurumani. According to Gweshe, most Zanu (PF) supporters feel excluded by the humanitarian organizations that are helping political violence victims. The violence last year was against MDC supporters, so the NGOs that have come are helping the victims and not the perpetrators who also want aid. The gestures of the NGOs have actually angered them, said Gweshe. Efforts to speak to Zanu (PF) spokesperson, Nathan Shamhuyarira, were fruitless.