Violence against MDC supporters on the increase – MDC
Political violence against MDC supporters in some parts of Zimbabwe continue despite signing of a deal between the MDC and Zanu PF meant to end the country’s political and economic stalemate.
Sam Veremu Jaricha, an MDC supporter at Nhema Village, in Zaka, Masvingo province had his home burnt down by Zanu PF supporters on Saturday night.
The suspects are based at the homestead of Chief Nhema, Rangarirai Guvanda.
A report has been made to the police but no arrests have been made.
In Mbare, Harare, over 61 MDC families who where evicted from their homes in June were on Tuesday afternoon assaulted at Matapi police station by Zanu PF members.
MDC members had been granted permission by the courts to move back into their homes.
The families had gone to the police station to seek assistance in evicting the Zanu PF members who had occupied their homes when they were told that there was no manpower.
There was total chaos at the police station when the police failed to contain the situation as Zanu PF youths went on a rampage and attacked the families.
Some of the families who included minors and pregnant women had to seek medical attention.
The youths were led by losing Zanu PF council candidate for Ward 11 in Mbare, Jim Kunaka.
In Mabvuku, also in Harare, Edmore Ngadziore, was assaulted at the Red Bull shopping centre by over 10 Zanu PF supporters for wearing an MDC T-shirt on Sunday afternoon.
Ngadziore who is the MDC district treasurer had to seek medical attention due to the assault.
Zanu PF torture bases are still operational in Mbare and some parts of the country but the police are not doing anything to dismantle them.
The incident was reported at Stodart Police Station and again no arrests have been made.
The MDC views these cases of political violence that continue unabated as indirectly conflicting with the spirit of togetherness and moving forward as portrayed by signing of the power sharing deal between the MDC and Zanu PF.
MDC Press Release
September 23rd, 2008 20:35
This situation cannot continue.
The “Government” cannot, is unable or unwilling to stem the violence. It is now up to the African nations with co-located borders to step in and suppress these obscene acts committed
by a small number of thugs and influential “ex-ministers”. Unless they are suppressed violence will spread on both sides of the political divide and Africa will face a civil war which no one can win.
September 24th, 2008 12:49
These are the kind of things which make some of us wonder why Tsvangirai signed that deal. Violence against his supporters is continuing and as we talk, some of his MPs are still in police custody on trumped up charges. We feel that the MDC has sold out and , to bear witness, is the fact that they have already been outwitted by the wily Mugabe even before they have begun. It shows the same affinity for power that has characterised Zanu over the years. They have jumped on the gravy train and its time people told them so. There is even silence about bringing pertpetrators of this violence to book. Tsvangirai has even the cheek to hint on amnesties.Only the people of Zimbabwe will decide the fate of these people and see justice is done for there to be peace in our country.
September 24th, 2008 15:27
Well said,this is what is happening in front of our eyes, justice must be done or no peace will ever prevail. Order in the country with democracy in the frontline must be the order of the day, nothing less.