Zanu PF force villagers to contribute towards independence

Heal Zimbabwe Trust has reported that Zanu PF officials in Gokwe South Ward 12 went around forcing villagers to contribute towards independence celebrations.

"On 11 April 2017, ZANU PF District Chairperson, Takavarasha Nharira embarked on a door to door exercise forcing people to contribute  $1 each towards Independence Day celebrations," reported the trust.

"Nharira even forced two households (names withheld for security reasons) to donate 2 goats towards the day. The commemorations were held at Kasuwe business centre. No police report on the matter has been made to date but Heal Zimbabwe is in the process of facilitating for the affected people to report the case to the police."

In Mutasa South Ward 23 the trust said on 15 April 2017, Former ward 22 Councillor, Immaculate Musakwa conducted a meeting at Premier Farm.

"Musakwa directed ZANU PF youths who had attended the meeting to start compiling names of all opposition party supporters in the area. The Farm is a commercial farm that was seized by war veterans during the land reform era. Musakwa also said that she was going to direct all Village heads to deny opposition party supporters food aid," said the trust.

"Heal Zimbabwe contacted the MP for Mutasa South, Hon Irene Zindi to ascertain if she was aware of such activities in the constituency. Hon Zindi condemned the practice and said that those who were intimidating people ahead of elections were abusing her party's name. She also promised to launch an investigation into the matter."

In Chipinge South Ward 26 the trust said on 15 April 2017, Village heads Musaunyerwa and Machona conducted a food registration exercise at Machona business centre.

"The two announced that community members who had failed to pay $2 towards Independence Day commemorations were not going to be registered to receive food aid," said the trust.