Election Violence 2008 – here is the evidence

The Zimbabwean newspaper published numerous verified reports of election violence in 2008. Here is a selection from our archives for anyone whose memory needs jogging.

More killings reported in Manicaland & 7 bodies found in Epworth

The MDC says there was a low voter turnout in parts of Manicaland province, but that last night violence broke out in Headlands, Buhera North/Central and Chipinge constituencies, resulting in the deaths of several people.

We were not able to confirm these deaths with the police, but the MDC spokesperson for Manicaland, Pishai Muchauraya said it is the police themselves who have been transporting the bodies of the deceased to mortuaries.

 

 

He said he could not provide the names of all the deceased until he received permission from the families, because of the ongoing victimisation.

Meanwhile the MDC said there were real signs of defiance in Mutare on voting day. Muchauraya said he could only see polling agents and police officers when he went to polling stations like Baring and Chancellor primary schools – no voters.

 

There was a low voter turnout outside Mutare, in places like Makoni, Musikavanhu and Nyanga, although it’s reported that some people were being helped to vote by ZANU PF agents. In some instances there were reports that  people were spoiling their votes by putting their X next to the names of both Morgan Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe, and then writing Mugabe must go on the top.

 

Meanwhile Crisis in Zimbabwe issued a statement saying seven bodies of MDC activists were found in Epworth on Thursday.

 

Crisis said: Since the defeat of Zanu PF on the 29th of March 2008, Epworth has been the hardest hit suburb. Zanu PF youth militias were frequently captured on camera pursuing MDC supporters and burning their homes.

 

We have no further details at this time.

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