CIO compiles targets database in Binga

Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) agents have already taken photographs of some councilors in Binga, but others have refused to be photographed, saying they know that their images will be used to identify them when violence is unleashed during elections.

SW Radio Africa spoke to Councillor Temba Toonse Kunjulu, popularly known as TTK in his Jabuba ward in Binga, who described how he was recently approached by CIOs who asked him if he would be running for a position during the next elections. They said all potential candidates for local positions were being photographed ahead of the elections. Kunjulu told them he had no such aspirations and refused to have his picture taken. But the CIOs insisted they needed his photograph to be included on official documents being compiled for the elections.

Kunjulu checked with one of the neighbouring wards and discovered the councillor there had indeed been photographed. However, more research revealed there was no official documentation process taking place. I know how they work. They wanted to be able to point me out, said Kunjulu. The councillor said he is being targeted because he is a human rights activist in the area. He works with civic groups such as Bulawayo Agenda, helping to educate villagers in remote areas about their rights.

They see me as a threat. I mobilise and sensitise the community to human rights issues. I go hundreds of miles to Bulawayo and back to collect newspapers and distribute them in Binga. This is why I am targeted, said Kunjulu. He explained that state security agents also took his radio in order to limit his access to information. A CIO named Muzondo was part of the gang. They accused me of listening to foreign radio, said Kunjulu. The councillor insisted on a receipt for his radio equipment and got one.

According to Kunjulu, the CIOs were also intimidating villagers even those who were involved in party politics. They take away radios and any leaflets that do not support Zanu (PF) policies, knowing it is difficult to get information to remote areas like Jabuba ward. It is no secret that Zanu (PF) is already in campaign mode even though no specific date has been set for elections. Thousands of youth militia have been recruited, soldiers have reportedly been deployed in many parts of the country and war vets like Jabulani Sibanda have been intimidating people in remote areas.

Last week the MDC-T released a statement saying there has been an increase in violence and in the arrests of their officials. Zimbabweans can only hope that SADC and the AU insist on free and fair elections in a peaceful environment where Zanu (PF) cannot influence the outcome through the usual violence and intimidation.