Chimanga’s hut, kitchen and bedroom were allegedly set on fire by Forbes Kazingizi (Branch Chairperson Chihwayi Village) and Kapitawo Kazingizi (youth chairperson Kazingizi Village).
The homestead is believed to have been petrol bombed. A police report was made at Makosa Police Station and a docket RRB1025527 CR25/11/12 was opened. Although Chimanga identified the suspects to the police, no arrests have been made.
“Through light created by flames, I could identify the arsonists. I even called out their names as they fled from the scene,” said Chimanga, adding that CID members at Mtoko police had earlier warned him against supporting MDC.
“You must stop supporting MDC as you should be aware that Zimbabwe got its freedom through the barrel of the gun,” CID officers reportedly warned Chimanga.
It was also alleged that Chimanga had a heated argument with a war veteran identified as Govanyika at Tabudirira Corner Stone, who threatened him that: “You will one day suffer the consequences of your political choices.”
Chimanga’s life has been characterized by regular police arrests ever since MDC gained political space in the rural areas. He is MDC-T ward 17 chairperson. After the formation of theGNU in 2009 he and dozens of other MDC villagers were arrested for demanding that their livestock and property looted by Zanu (PF) members in 2008 be returned.
On 5 November, two days before his homestead was torched, Chimanga was arrested by police for absconding court trial. He is also being blamed for the absence of a fellow villager whom police are keen to interview.
He is now considering seeking legal assistance through Lawyers for Human Rights.
Efforts to seek police comment were fruitless. Officer commanding Makosa Police Station, identified as Inspector Machiwenyika, said: “I am no longer officer commanding Makosa Police Station. Let me refer you to the Marondera based District Officer Commanding Police PISI who is better positioned to give you an informed comment.” But the Marondera office land line number rang for hours on end without being answered.
MDC-T Co-Home Affairs Minister Theresa Makone recently bemoaned selective application of the law in the country.
“It is worrying to note that selective application of the law is still rampant four years after the formation of a coalition government,” she said. Perpetrators of 2008 political violence against perceived MDC supporters are yet to face justice. In contrast, MDC members are swiftly dragged before the courts for a wide range of petty misdemeanours – many of them trumped up.
Post published in: News