MDC-T Mutasa Central Member of Parliament, Trevor Saruwaka, last week told The Zimbabwean that Zanu (PF) had reintroduced torture bases in schools around his constituency ahead of the next general elections.
“What is surprising us is that Zanu (PF) is preaching peace by day while encouraging violence by night. Zanu (PF) supporters recently besieged Domborutinhira Primary School in Mutasa, demanding accommodation of youths, including the party’s Manicaland provincial executive’s driver, Clara Mukahanana.”
He said it was sad that Zanu (PF) was still determined to reverse the gains of the inclusive government.
“They are making attempts to reoccupy schools as torture bases. These youths bring absolutely no value addition to the school. Who will control them when they go berserk?” asked Saruwaka.
He added that suspected war veterans tried to cow teachers into accepting positions as Zanu (PF) branch executives. School authorities, including the school development committee, had reportedly given in to the demands fearing victimisation by the youths.
“I met with the school authorities including the SDC over the matter and they said they gave in to the demands because they feared for their lives,” said Saruwaka.
Andrew Chigumbura, a member from the Manicaland War Veterans Association commissariat said: “We only wanted to hold our meetings there. No one should refuse to grant us permission to hold our meetings at the school. This is our country. Who is Saruwaka to prevent us from using the school’s facilities?”
Zanu (PF) has in the past been accused of setting up bases during election time where political opponents are tortured by party activists and members of the security services.
Post published in: News