Gwanda Chief threatens village heads
Source Date: 08-07-2007

A Gwanda chief last week allegedly threatened to banish from her area village heads who support the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), sparking fears of intensified "political cleansing" in Matabeleland ahead of elections next year.

Chief Ketso Mathe of Bulamba communal lands controls Tshoboyi and Lushongwe, in which there are allegedly three village heads linked to the MDC – namely Batang Moyo of Tshoboyi, and Zondelwa Dube and Jackson Ndlovu from Lushongwe respectively.

It is reported that Chief Mathe issued serious threats against the three village heads on account of their political affiliation. As a result the three now fear for their lives.

In recent weeks MDC leaders have claimed that the police were directing them to first seek clearance with the traditional leaders before they could hold meetings in areas under their jurisdiction. The opposition in Zimbabwe have long complained of the politicization of traditional leaders by Robert Mugabe's ZANU PF party.

Identified perpetrators: Chief Ketso Mathe of Bulamba communal lands, Gwanda
Identified victims: Village heads - Batang Moyo of Tshoboyi, Zondelwa Dube and Jackson Ndlovu of Lushongwe

Source: Zimbabwe Standard, The (ZW)
Article Link: Click here to link to source page

SADC standards breached

• 2.1.2: Freedom of association;
• 2.1.3: Political tolerance;
• 2.1.6: Equal opportunity to exercise the right to vote and be voted for
• 4.1.2: Conducive environment for free, fair and peaceful elections
• 7.4: [The member state holding elections shall] Safeguard the human and civil liberties of all citizens …
• 7.7: [The member state holding elections shall] Ensure that adequate security is provided to all parties participating in elections;
• 7.8: [The member state holding elections shall] Ensure the transparency and integrity of the entire electoral process …