A fortnight ago they woke up to notices from Simon Sigauke, former chairperson of the disbanded Zanu (PF) District Coordinating Committee, calling everyone wishing to continue staying in the compound to submit their names to him for ‘vetting.’
He had previously announced that anyone in support of MDC would be evicted.
However, Sigauke who is reportedly eyeing the Chirumanzu South parliamentary seat, is not the owner of the compound. The place belongs to Jaison Maklen. In the wake of the threats from Sigauke, desperate MDC supporters have communicated to JOMIC their desire to have the body intervene on the matter.
According to Section 22.3 of the Global Political Agreement which put together the inclusive government, JOMIC should ensure the implementation of the accord’s provision which stipulates that there should be political tolerance. The multiparty body is also supposed to receive reports and complaints on the violation of people’s freedoms with a view to finding common ground ahead of polls.
“We have been following the issue and we think as a law abiding party, JOMIC should be engaged to resolve the dispute,” said Nhlanhla Dube, the MDC spokesperson.
Ndumo Moyo, the party’s Midlands South chairperson and provincial JOMIC Co-Chairperson, said the affected supporters had put their trust in the body. “I told them to write a formal letter to JOMIC and also make a report to police,” he said, adding that the residents were being intimidated by their tormentors. The area is a political hot-bed where support for any party other than Zanu (PF) is viewed as betrayal.
Most people were resettled there during the controversial land reform programme and are therefore expected to support Zanu (PF) out of gratitude.
Post published in: News