Mutoko East district chair Peter Kudanyana is a member of the church that does not have a church building of its own in the area and was hiring the school to hold its services.
“Zanu (PF) supporters have banned the church from being held at the school because of the fact that our members are part of the congregation. We find it shocking because the church does not have anything to do with politics,” said Tapera Tsigo, the Mashonaland East Youth secretary for information.
Since the unilateral announcement by President Robert Mugabe that the country would go to the polls next year, villagers say cases of intimidation have increased. The Zanu (PF) shadowy militia vigilante group Chipangano has also been exported to Mashonaland East where Zanu (PF) continues to have a stronghold.
A teacher, only identified as Rwodzi, along with Albert Nyakapinda and Charles Katsande are accused by the villagers of starting the purge against MDC-T supporters that also extends to social places and grocery stores.
“We were threatened not to buy in shops that are owned by MDC members. People are now scared to enter into some shops because they fear being targeted when violence starts again,” said Esrom Makota.
Traditional leaders have been threatening to evict people who support the MDC-T after a visit by the Director of Air Force Intelligence, Wing Commander Bramwell Katsvairo, along with Zanu (PF) leaders last month.
Katsvairo, who orchestrated the reign of terror in Mutoko that resulted in scores of deaths but no prosecutions, told villagers that the district could return to the days of violence again if the MDC was left unchecked.
Post published in: News