MUTOKO - Hundreds of armed soldiers have set up camp in Mutoko, raising fears among villagers who only two years ago were terrorised by the army before, during and after the 2008 elections. The soldiers are camped at Nyamuzuwe Centre near the homestead of Chief Mutoko, one of the traditional leaders who have openly said they would like to clear the area of MDC supporters. Silas Gweshe, the MDC-T Mashonaland East spokesperson, said an air of fear pervades the area. Zanu (PF) claims to control the area.
People are afraid of the soldiers – they are not sure what their intentions are. People would like to live freely without interference from soldiers, said Gweshe. The soldiers in Mutoko have set up a boom, using sandbags, on the way to the chiefs homestead and there are fears that the army would like to use the chief to force people to support Zanu (PF).
Some of the soldiers told this reporter that they were in the area for military training and there was nothing unusual about their presence in the village.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai recently raised concerns over the deployment of soldiers who were interfering with civilian life by trying to influence the constitution-making process. We note with concern the militarisation of the process. Reports from all over the country show the heavy involvement of the military in what should be a purely civilian process, he said.
The collapse of much of Zanu (PF)s rural structure has forced the party to fall back upon the likes of Brigadier General Douglas Nyikayaramba, in Manicaland, Colonel Hungwe at Ngundu Halt in Masvingo, and Major Mpofu who is leading the army in Zhombe, Midlands Province.
Tsvangirai has also castigated the abuse of Chiefs and other traditional leaders by Zanu (PF), and urged Chiefs Mutoko, Serima and Nhema in particular to stay away from politics.
Post published in: News