Zanu seals Mberengwa West

Zanu (PF) functionaries have a set up a base in the southern part of the Mberengwa West constituency and declared the area popularly known as Kumajambanja a no-go area for officials and supporters of other political parties.

The area, largely dominated by farmers resettled during the controversial land reform exercise, is represented in parliament by Zanu (PF) chief whip Joram Gumbo.

Sources told this reporter that party militia had also embarked on an intimidation campaign, promising to evict anyone found entertaining rival parties especially the MDC-T. The development comes as President Robert Mugabe calls for peace during campaigning.

Tinashe Gumbo, the MDC-T candidate for the constituency, said: “The base is there. My understanding is that the Mugabe party would want to make sure that we do not make inroads into that area. At present it’s still a centre for an intimidation campaign but my fear is that the place can transform into a torture base against anyone perceived to be anti-Zanu (PF).”

“Because of political intolerance and intimidation we failed to put normal structures for the wards and cells in the Majambanja area. However, regardless of that scenario, we have been using our wits to talk to the people,” he added.

In February Takavafira Zhou, President of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, complained that 10 schools in the area had been forced to close with teachers and students forced to attend a Zanu (PF) rally addressed by Gumbo.

Post published in: News

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