The Coordinator of VAC, Taurai Mabhachi, said the VAC was working with organisations such as the Counselling Services Unit to facilitate treatment of torture victims and Childline, which helps children with items such as blankets and clothes.
“We also mobilise building material for families whose properties may have been burnt. We document all acts of violence with a view to making the callous acts known,” said Mabhachi.
Mabhachi expressed concern over the political environment as the country heads for elections.
“The political terrain is badly polarised and this is being worsened by the tension among the coalition partners. Groups like Chipangano continue to terrorise people especially in Mbare while other militia groups are sprouting up in various provinces,” said Mabhachi.
Late last year there were reports that Zanu (PF) militia group Al Shabaab was terrorising residents in Kwekwe.
He said threats of a coup by high-ranking army officials in the event of an MDC-T victory in the forthcoming elections had created an unstable political environment in the country.
He said VAC had for the past months recorded cases of politically-motivated violence in Nyanga, Uzumba Maramba- pfungwe, Murehwa and Harare. In Harare, he said Zanu (PF) militia group, Chipangano, was largely perpetrating political violence.
“Violence is definitely going to be on the increase because Zanu (PF) knows the people of Zimbabwe are not interested in its rule. They will pursue the agenda of violence with the intention of cowing the general citizenry into submission,” said Mabhachi.
He said VAC was receiving reports of MDC-T supporters being denied food aid in various parts of the country as punishment for their opposition to Zanu (PF). Mabhachi said there was need to strengthen mechanisms for monitoring violence in the country.
Post published in: News