Issuing of broadcasting licences to be dealt urgently

Speaking at a press conference at the MDC headquarters, Harvest House in Harare today, Hon. Chamisa said issuing of broadcasting licences was a critical issue to the roadmap of having a free and fair election in the country, which are expected next year.

He said the MDC was worried by the increase of violence that was raising its ugly head across the country and the villagisation of soldiers and Zanu PF youths in the rural areas. Calling for the removal of soldiers in rural areas, Hon. Chamisa said the army personnel were intimidating and harassing innocent villagers. Hon. Chamisa made the comments following increased reports from the rural areas that state security agents were intimidating and harassing people. Today, the MDC Information and Publicity department received reports that an MDC activist, Musara Sibanda, was assaulted on Tuesday for refusing to attend a Zanu PF meeting in Midlands North.

Sibanda, 32, the MDC Ward Secretary for Information and Publicity in Chisina, Gokwe Mapfungautsi district, was assaulted by Zanu PF members after he decided to plough his field instead of attending a Zanu PF meeting in the area. His assailants were identified as Jonas Zhohwa, Headman Chisina and Caddious Makwikwi. The three later stole from Sibanda his plough and a 10kg of cotton seed. Sibanda has since reported the issue to the police.

In another incident, Denysen Mutimbandzo, a pastor at the Church of God in Ward 26, Gwagwadza, Makoni South in Manicaland province is terrorising villagers and urging church members to join Zanu PF. Church members who defy his orders are force-marched to a Zanu PF base in the area where they are harassed and intimidated.