Addressing party supporters at a local meeting, Chief Chiduku publicly declared that villagers who were supporting sanctions should be dragged to the traditional courts and face the wrath of the law. These include paying heavy fines such as cattle, goats and other property for supporting the enemy.
“Down with sanctions. Some of you are supporting sanctions and we are going to summon to our courts to penalise you heavily because you are also an enemy of the state,” threatened Chief Chiduku. He incited other traditional leaders in his locality to descend heavily on villagers who were against the Zanu (PF) crusade.
Chief Chiduku who is a staunch Zanu (PF) supporter and non-constituency senator, said villagers should take instructions from traditional leaders because they were the custodians of land or risk prosecution. “We are the custodians of land so we must give our people instructions to sign the petition and they should comply because sanctions are hurting ordinary people,” said Chiduku.
Innocent villagers told this paper that they were living in fear after the chief issued threats and launched a war against them.
“People are afraid to talk and debate the issue freely because the chief has planted secret agents to sniff out those who are against the signing. There is no freedom of expression here, people are just afraid,” said one villager who declined to be named. Villagers said civil servants such as teachers, nurses and extension workers were most targeted.
Post published in: News