Last week Zanu (PF) youths deployed as touts at bus stations across the town
convened at the party provincial offices where they were instructed to defy police.
“We met at the party offices last week and resolved to maintain our presence at the bus termini for intelligence and security reasons. It was noted that illegal MDC material and members would arrive in town by bus. To counter and arrest such activities, Zanu (PF) felt it necessary to maintain the presence of party youths at such strategic transit points,” said a senior party youth who declined to be identified.
He said they were addressed at the party offices by top provincial executive members. Following clashes with police in Harare recently, Zanu (PF) rank marshals and touts, popularly known as Mandimbandimba, adopted a militant stance and have been wearing yellow berets bearing the Zanu (PF) symbol.
“Police efforts are futile as we have adopted new operational strategies. We will split our groups into smaller teams and keep a safe distance from the stations. Bus crews will have to pay touts a fee at our observation points. The fee is the equivalent to the fare charged for a single trip. Those who defy the regulation risk being beaten up and banned from picking up passengers at the rank,” said another tout who only identified himself as Big Sam.
Recently, some 21 Zanu (PF) touts were rounded up and arrested in a police operation in Marondera. Some were released after paying admission of guilt fines while others are still in custody pending an appearance at the Magistrates Court.
The touts are accused of inconveniencing the travelling public and transporters.
Zanu (PF) inside sources said the Mandimbandimba project was started as a Zanu (PF) fund raising exercise. The project also creates employment for restless party youths who lack basic skills to be gainfully employed elsewhere.
A policeman who spoke on condition of anonymity described the presence of the Zanu (PF) touts as “a sensitive matter”.
Post published in: News