Interviewed MDC-T officials confirmed the high levels of political intolerance at Umsengezi Farm, Ward 30, in Mazowe West Constituency. Aspiring Councillor in the area, Hardwork Matava, confirmed the intimidation, which he said had made it difficult for his party members to hold meetings. He said people were reluctant to attend MDC-T events in fear of being victimised.
Matava said the message coming from the Zanu (PF) officials in the area was that the people should feel indebted to the party for launching the Land Reform Programme.
“There is no tolerance at all at Umsengezi farm. MDC-T supporters are being threatened with eviction and sometimes people are even being threatened with a repeat of the 2008 violence that resulted in the deaths of some of our supporters,” said Matava. I am not able to conduct meetings with my supporters because Zanu (PF) officials accuse me of bringing MDC-T supporters to the farm compound. They have since declared the area no-go for MDC-T activists.”
MDC-T Chairman for Mvurwi Ward 30, Abraham Mbewe (64), said Zanu (PF) had resorted to forceful measures of control.
“In 2008, I was tortured by Zanu (PF) youths because of my allegiance to the MDC-T and it seems they (Zanu (PF) youths) still want to continue with their system of violence. It’s a huge cause for concern that is slowly taking away hope of peaceful election,” said Mbewe.
A villager from Umsengezi farm, Howard Gideon, said: “We have been told that if Zanu (PF) wins in the next election, we will be removed from the farms. People are being told that it is because of Zanu (PF) that they are living on the farm and anyone who supports the MDC-T is not fit to stay here.”
The interviewees identified a Zanu (PF) official, Museva, as being behind the intimidation campaign. They said Museva was supported by other Zanu (PF) activists identified as Tsitsi Chituho, Ernest Nhera and Mrs. Nyamweda. When contacted for comment, Museva denied the allegations.
“That is not true. There is peace in the area. We do not have any cases of violence or intimidation,” said Museva.
Post published in: News