Known Zanu (PF) youth activist, Andrew Muchazvirega, confirmed the incident saying, Mukucha had told the youths that he hoped the beatings would instil a sense of bravery in them.
Village headman, Jimmy Sikero, who refused to be beaten, is now being denied access to grain in the drought- ravaged area.
MDC district chairman Itai Charumbuka described political tensions in the area as high, saying he feared a repeat of 2008 election violence.
He accused soldiers in the area of worsening the situation as they had been going around threatening villagers and calling them sell outs.
Zanu (PF) spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, declined to comment on the issue accusing the private media of always seeking to condemn politicians.
MDC-T youth assembly secretary general Promise Mkwananzi called for unity and peace, saying he hoped the next elections would not be held before the necessary reforms.
Post published in: News