ZPP has recorded numerous cases in which the right to food and education is being denied to people on the basis of their political identity. On 23 January 2015 at Dongadilika Bottle Store in Bubi, Ward 7 in Matebeleland North, Stephen Dube, a Zanu (PF) official registering people as recipients of fertiliser under the Presidential Input Scheme refused to register a well-known MDC-T member saying that the fertiliser and seed scheme was for Zanu (PF) members only.
The discrimination of food and agricultural aid was not only targeted at opposition supporters but also at Zanu (PF) members perceived to belong to the faction allegedly led by former Vice President Joice Mujuru.
The discrimination on the basis of political affiliation also extended to other sectors like education. In Bindura South village Head Leonard Madamombe of Nekati village was tasked to list the names of children who were to be assisted through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM). The village head gave preference to children whose parents were members of Zanu (PF) and those whose parents were MDC-T supporters were told that they would be contacted later.
Political intolerance is rife, with 69% of the cases reported by ZPP in January involving threats and intimidation. In a typical case of intimidation, on 13 January 2015 two Zanu (PF) workers based at Marondera Office were harassed and threatened with beating by war veterans Chitekuteku and Simon Dengu as well as seven other Zanu (PF) youths. The workers were accused of belonging to the Mujuru faction.
Factionalism has continued to trigger more purges and conflict even at lower levels of the party. On 14 January three people perceived to belong to the Mujuru faction were denied access to and participation in a branch party meeting held near Machikichori Beer Hall in Chikanga, Mutare. As the victims approached the venue of the meeting four party members led by Jethro Pikirayi began shouting at them accusing them of being sell outs and barred them from entering the venue.
In Bindura North on 1 January a Ward 8 Councillor was grabbed by the collar by Mrs Bvunzawabaya the local chairperson, who demanded that he leave the party. The victim was accused of being unfaithful because of his allegiance to MP Kenneth Musanhi who was dismissed from the Central Committee in November 2014 for being aligned to Mujuru.
In a typical case, on 3 January in Binga North Chief Saba summoned his subjects for a meeting at his homestead where he declared that all his subjects had to support Zanu (PF) and buy party cards.
In the month of January 155 violations were recorded. The main perpetrators are male; out of 230 recorded perpetrators, 203 are male and 24 female. Whereas opposition party supporters have borne the brunt of violence in the past, there is a marked increase in the number of Zanu (PF) members suffering – as a result of factionalism.
Zanu (PF) members remain the main perpetrators of violence with a record 204 perpetrators compared to 13 from MDC-T party. The number of victims of political violence remain high among males (189) compared to females (72) and this could be attributed to the fact that men constitute the majority of political actors. – Magari Mandebvu is away this week.
Post published in: News