Suspicions run high that Zanu (PF) officials are working in cahoots with the local police to block MDC-T meetings and rallies. MDC-T Organising Secretary for Epworth, Samson Ketuno, said the party’ activities were at a halt as police were reluctant to offer them clearance to conduct meetings and rallies.
He said the development had seen some Zanu (PF) supporters making fake reports to the police alleging that MDC-T activists were holding un-sanctioned meetings.
Last month, Ketuno was arrested together with three other MDC-T activists from Epworth for allegedly holding such a meeting with residents. Their arrest followed an anonymous tip off from the public.
The four were released without charge after being transferred from Epworth to the Harare Central Police Station.
In September last year, police from Epworth Police Station handed over two MDCT activists, Petros Makaza and Golden Nhika, to Zanu (PF) militia group Chipangano after the duo was arrested on allegations of stealing a cell phone and a beret from a soldier with the Presidential Guard.
“Our supporters are now afraid to hold meetings because they know they will be arrested. Sometimes, some people will even lie to the police that we had a meeting and we will be called to the police on that basis.
“Right now, we cannot hold meeting because the police say we should give four days’ notice but sometimes, you will not even be able to get the clearance” said Ketuno.
“As for the Zanu (PF) supporters, they are holding their meetings freely and sometimes, without the police clearance and no arrests will be made,” he added.
Ketuno said torture bases had been set up in all seven Wards of Epworth, and queried the motive behind this move. He said at some of the bases, posters of the President as well as Amos
Midzi, Zanu (PF) Chairman for Harare Province, were displayed.
He added that in Wards 2 and 7, the political situation was volatile.
“In these areas, people are being force marched to Zanu (PF) meetings and rallies and those who choose not to attend are being labelled MDC-T and have been targeted for victimisation,” said Ketuno.
Post published in: News