SW Radio Africa correspondent Lionel Saungweme spoke to villagers from Chimukoko and Nyamhondoro districts of Mudzi North, who said the campaign is being coordinated by ZANU-PF MP Newton Kachepa and Chief Otelia Chimukoko.
“ZANU (PF) people are going around 13 villages and forcing people to pay 50 cents per family towards the upkeep of Sekuru Magura’s murderers, who are still incarcerated pending their trial,” Saungweme explained.
He added that some villagers are paying the money every week and others are being visited fortnightly.
MDC-T activist Cephas Magura died in May after a ZANU PF mob directed by MP Kachepa attacked MDC-T activists who had gathered for a rally at Chimukoko Business Centre. Several others were seriously injured.
This is not the first time villagers in Mudzi North have been forced to assist the accused ZANU (PF) members. Last month Saungweme reported that Chief Chimukoko had collected funds to pay lawyers representing the accused, during their bail application.
Villagers have named some of the ZANU (PF) thugs who are collecting the money on behalf of the chief and MP. Our correspondent said the list includes Bhobho, Bhana (Barnabus), Chirova, Kangora and Simenti.
Mudzi North is in Mashonaland East where Saungweme said several army bases were established back in 2008. He said residents there live in fear and experience heavy intimidation from ZANU (PF) officials, activists and traditional leaders.
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