Worrying signs of growing violence and intimidation
This security update email follows on from our earlier post about soldiers attacking civilians. One victim of such an attack is depicted above.
- Areas where violence against the MDC has been taking place – Masvingo, Muzarabani, Mberengwa, Chililmanzi, Mutoko, Cashel, Shamva (some houses burned).
- Dombashawa - last week and this week soldiers from the 1 Mech Bat, ZNA have been beating up MDC people in that area. They are using iron bars and bayonets. One young man had his hand slit, between second and third fingers. His father was slashed on the head with a bayonet (requiring 6 sutures) and was stabbed in the left arm and right hand. The soldiers are in groups of 15 to 20, some in uniform, some in civilian clothing. One of the assailants said “you are MDC and your Prime Minister promised us better pay, where is it?”. (one victim depicted in photo above)
- Mutoko - a small group of MDC members visited the Zanu PF people in the area requesting that they return the livestock that was stolen from them last year. In most cases the ZPF people agreed, receipts were signed, with three witnesses. It was all very amicable. Now the Police are charging those MDC members with Extortion! This occurred in Ward 17. The Junta Commander Air. Comm. Bramwell Katsvairo is still in the area – he was in charge of the groups perpetrating violence and mayhem pre and post elections last year. He meets with groups of ZPF youth each night between 7pm and 10pm. During the day, these youths go around intimidating MDC members.
- Marondera - The Prime Minister a few weeks ago held a well attended meeting in Marondera (as part of a round the country trip). Following this visit it is reported that the CIO in Marondera are saying “things are getting out of hand, we will have to tighten things up, they (MDC) must remember this is the capital of Mash East”.
- Marondera - three white commercial farmers are being indicted to appear in court for “remaining on their farms”.
- Odzi - A ZPF member Mike Madiro (ex Provincial chairman) this week evicted all his farm employees saying that their political allegance was dubious. They are not homeless and join the 90% unemployed.
- Mudzi - reports from this area are that a number of MDC members houses have been burned. Police have been told they are not to attend the scene. (further investigations are being carried out by MDC members).
- Mudzi - report today of the suspected abduction of MDC member John Sixpence from his home in Kambudzi village, Chimkoko. (Chimkoko was an area very badly affected by political violence last year).
June 17th, 2009 23:32
sports teams only win matches when they play together – until then they are lost. but they will find each other at some stage. pamberi zimbabwe.
June 20th, 2009 08:34
Tactics, that what is going on. Long-term pre-election strategising.
As an election is getting closer, Zanu PF are preparing for it: their intimidation tactics have worked for them each time before, and by starting early, will probably work again; the President does not waver in his controlling goals, and ‘free and fair’ is not part of his success formula; meanwhile the Prime Minister is hoping to achieve enough progress towards his goals for Zimbabwe’s recovery before elections are held (remember, the two men have are VERY different goals) to enable the country to make ‘free and fair’ choices!
It is shaping up to be nothing new: the power of the barrel v the power of the ballot box.
Only a miracle will bring about a government reflecting the will of the people of Zimbabwe.
June 22nd, 2009 15:13
Ok does the prime minister know this as yet? which part of zimbabwe does he come from? i believe this information came from his party its not from zpf.Hey people of Zim if the prime minister start his duties by lying what is he culpable of doing if he is president. He will be worse than mugabe. Secondly chokwadi ngachibude izvozvi why sweep dirt under the carpet. Morgan thinks he is doing himself a favor but i think mugabe has an advantage. Ko Biti vakomana indavaso you a smarter than this use your bloody brains. Dont think pple dont want reform aiwa manetsa nekunyepa.Just last week women were beaten you now act like nothing is happening . Shame on you.I will join ZAPU, elctions are coming.