Angry civil servants told The Zimbabwean last week that they were forced to fork our varying amounts according to seniority.
“We were forced to pay between $2 and $20 – depending on one’s position,” said a member of the Zimbabwe National Army based at the All Arms Battle School.
“I was forced to pay $2. Failure to pay meant one would be victimised and labelled an MDC supporter. We are earning peanuts yet they are coming to take away our hard earned cash,” said a nurse at Nyanga district hospital.
“They said P Mugabe increased our salaries, so it was time to pay back by supporting Zanu (PF) to host the Heroes’ Day celebrations,” said another civil servant.
Business people were also forced to pay cash and supply commodities to be used at the commemorations.
“They demanded $300 and some of my farm produce. I had no option but to give them. If I refused it was going to backfire for me as I would be labelled an enemy of Zanu (PF) and this would jeopardise my business,” said a local farmer.
“I saw some Zanu (PF) officials accompanied by youths visiting all shops here demanding cash and goodies. They demanded $200 from me and I gave them some drinks and beers. They also forced some butcheries to give meat. It is unfortunate that business people are always victims of Zanu (PF) abuse when there is a function. We do not have any option but we pay that through the nose we are also struggling to make some profits,” said a businessman at Nyamhuka business centre.
Residents from Nyamhuka high density suburb and Rochdale were forced to attend the function where the Zanu (PF) leadership took control of the programme to denounce Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC party.
Post published in: News