According to the Zimbabwe Peace Project, people in the now volatile province recorded 200 cases of politically motivated violations during May. Traditional leaders are barring people from supporting the MDC-T while the youths are forcing them to buy Zanu (PF) membership cards.
According to ZPP the Zanu (PF) teams conduct spot checks in areas such as Makoni District Chireya village and Chimanimani’s Chaseyama village in order to enforce compliance.
“Traditional leaders in Manicaland have been at the forefront of violating the rights of their subjects for failing to support Zanu (PF). Chief Mukahanana from Mutasa Central constituency reportedly removed two village heads from their positions and replaced them with Zanu (PF) supporters after accusing the two of supporting the MDC-T,” said ZPP in a statement.
Chief Douglas Chimombe from Buhera threatened more than 15 village heads with demotion if ever they are found supporting the MDC-T or participating in the party’s activities.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who comes from Buhera, enjoys a lot of support from the district.
ZPP said there was also a heavy presence of the military in most communities. “The serving and retired soldiers are reportedly spearheading Zanu (PF) campaigns ahead of the proposed elections,” it said.
Post published in: Politics