Bennett, who is the MDC-T Minister of Agriculture, is very popular in the Chimanimani district. He is known by the name “Pachedu”, literally translated as “friendship”, and often helps villagers in his district. His vibrant Charleswood Farm offered employment to many local people. However, Zanu (PF) war veterans invaded his farm in 2000 and many youths have been rendered unemployed.
Losing Chimanimani West Member of Parliament and former Zanu (PF) Minister Munacho Mutezo and Jennifer Knight from the Zanu (PF) women’s league are reportedly leading a campaign of terror in the area, threatening MDC supporters not to support Bennett. Mutezo, a close ally of President Robert Mugabe, and Knight are reportedly working with Zanu (PF) war veterans to lead a campaign of violence and intimidation in the constituency.
The soldiers are allegedly using threats and physical violence against MDC-T supporters. The MDC-T Manicaland Province spokesperson, Pishai Muchauraya, confirmed the reports.
“I have received the reports of violence. The violence is being unleashed in an effort to suppress the peoples’ vote.”
MDC-T supporters interviewed by The Zimbabwean last week said Mutezo was also accusing the Zanu (PF) supporters of ditching him during the March 2008 harmonized elections. Mutezo heavily lost to Lynnette Karenyi of MDC-T.
“He (Mutezo) openly told MDC-T supporters that it was his time for revenge because we did not vote for him during the March 2008 harmonised elections. He is commanding the war veterans and soldiers to harass MDC-T supporters. He is leading numerous meetings with villagers where we are being forced to attend. He is also threatening MDC-T supporters with death if Mugabe loses again,” said an MDC-T supporter who declined to be named.
“He is telling the people not to respect Morgan Tsvangirai as the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe. He said the GPA is a non-event. He openly told people at a recent meeting that Zanu (PF) is in control and that Tsvangirai will never rule this country,” said an MDC-T supporter.
There are reports that police have mounted roadblocks to make sure Bennett cannot enter the Chimanimani district. Sources last week told The Zimbabwean that measures were being crafted to make sure that Bennett never set foot in Chimanimani again. However, last week supporters vowed to rally behind Bennett.
Post published in: News