The violence kicked off in the Gadzema area, 10km from Chegutu town. The terrorists responsible are Zanu (PF) youths who were allocated mining claims as part of a campaign strategy by Zanu (PF) ahead of elections.
The MDC-T Chairman for Ward 22 in Chegutu East, Michael Moyo, revealed that the Zanu (PF) youths who benefited from the claims had launched an attack on MDC-T supporters whom they accuse of wanting to reverse the gains of the empowerment programme.
“We went to Nyatsanga business Centre in Mhondoro for a rally and when we came back, Zanu (PF) youths and a group of the gold panners came to my house baying for my blood. Luckily enough I was not at home,” said Moyo.
After failing to locate him, the rowdy group proceeded to Enoch Tavamanga’s house whose vehicle had been used to ferry some of the MDC-T supporters to Mhondoro.
“Enoch managed to escape before they reached his house and he came to my work place after which we escaped to Chegutu town and reported the case to the police. No docket was opened,” said Moyo.
After failing to apprehend their intended targets, Moyo said that the Zanu (PF) youths later on abducted three MDC-T activists who had attended the Mhondoro rally.
“The three were assaulted and later on dumped at Mupfure River. They were ordered to reveal the names of the people who had gone to the Mhondoro rally and warned them not to support the MDC-T,” said Moyo.
Moyo revealed that two of the activists, identified as Takura Banda and Simon Mukungi, have since relocated to Chegutu town.
The remaining activist, Brian Biningu, revealed to The Zimbabwean that he was living in fear of his life.
“I do not have anywhere else to go. The situation is tense here and I feel like my life is at risk,” said Biningu.
Investigations revealed that two staunch Zanu (PF) supporters, identified as “Funny” and “Giga”, were behind the violence in the area.
MDC-T Chairwoman for Mashonaland West Province, Violet Moeketsi confirmed the volatile situation in Gadzema.
“Victimisation of our supporters is rife in that area, especially as we approach elections.”
She said police inaction was a huge cause for concern.
When asked about the development, Zanu (PF) Member of Parliament for Chegutu East, Webster Shamu declined to answer over the phone and attempts to book for an interview were unsuccessful.
Zanu (PF) National Spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, said: “I really do not know about those cases. The problem is that the MDC-T wants to create situations and blame Zanu (PF) all the time.”
Police Spokesperson for Mashonaland West Province, Inspector Clemence Mabweazara, denied reports of political violence in Chegutu.
“I have not received any reports linked to political violence in Chegutu. Generally, the situation is calm in Mashonaland West province and I wouldn’t say there are cases of political violence,” said Mabweazara.
Post published in: News