MUTARE - In a desperate attempt to win back supporters in Manicaland, Zanu (PF) has deployed youth militias and war veterans to some rural centres to set up bases.The youth militias and the war veterans are targeting teachers and members from private institutions including NGOs and churches. In some cases in Mutare West, some Zanu (PF) youth militias are going from door-to-door forcing the villagers to attend Zanu (PF) rallies and other meetings.
The most unfortunate thing is that some of the traditional leaders are now taking the law into their hands. We have been told to vacate our home areas if we do not attend the Zanu (PF) rallies and meetings, said a local villager. We are being threatened to chant Zanu (PF) slogans and propagate their policies. They are blaming us for the downfall of Zanu (PF) in Manicaland.
The MDC office in Mutare has confirmed intimidation of their supporters in some parts of Manicaland. An official from MDC provincial office said: Yes, we can confirm the intimidation of our supporters. We have visited some of the affected members of our party and offered assistance.