Sources told The Zimbabwean that the activist, Ishmael Zungunde, of Kamusisi village, Ward 10, was in July ordered by Taitos Mutize to denounce his affiliation to his party at a Zanu (PF) meeting. He was told that failing to obey would have serious repercussions “that could include loss of life”.
The sources said that Zungunde had no option but to comply with the order.
Zungunde was a victim of the 2008 political violence and his wife was allegedly gang raped by a group of Zanu (PF) youths.
“It happened two weeks before the election. Zungunde was warned that failure to heed the advice would result in severe punishment. Mutize actually made it clear that this time around, Zanu (PF) would resort to killing known MDC supporters,” said a source on condition of anonymity.
At the meeting, Chief Zimhondi implored village heads to get rid of MDC supporters.
“The chief told attendants at the meeting that no MDC supporter was fit to stay in his area and that he would not hesitate to kill anyone who supported the party. Then he told Zungunde to stand up and said that he would make an example of him as a way of showing villagers that he meant what he said,” said the source.
The development prompted MDC officials to make a police report against Chief Zimhondi in July. The case was recorded under RRB1573503.
However, sources said that the police have so far made no arrests.
When contacted for comment over the issue, Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson, Bulisani Bhebhe, said he was out of office and referred questions to Assistant Inspector Tendai Mwanza who said he was not aware of the issue.
However, MDC-T losing parliamentary candidate for Uzumba, Peckson Kazingizi, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over police inaction.
“Yes it is true that we made a police report against Chief Zimhondi but no action has been taken,” said Kazingizi.
In July, sources told The Zimbabwean that traditional leaders in Uzumba were threatening their subordinates against voting for the MDC-T.
Post published in: News