Zim political violence re-surfaces, property worth $2000 burnt

A Zanu-PF official, Martin Tapfuma lost goods and property worth more than $2000 when his house was burnt in a case of suspected politically motivated violence that occurred last week in Buhera North constituency.

The family of the Zanu-PF Chiremwa District Secretary for Indigenisation in Buhera North constituency was left counting losses after the ugly case of arson at their home in Chikuwe village.

Besides losing their valuables, the family is now leaving in fear as the culprits allegedly brag and continue to make verbal threats targeted at killing the entire Tapfuma family members.

The incident, suspected to be politically motivated, comes at a time when the nation is generally at peace and driving the empowerment agenda.

Narrating the horrific incidence which occurred in broad daylight last week, Tapfuma said he has been threatened by Mr Madya, a staunch MDC supporter, for being the pillar of Zanu-PF in Chikuwe village.

He said the threats from the Madya started during the 2008 harmonised elections and the presidential runoff, and since then, the family is living in constant fear of being attacked.

Tapfuma's wife and daughter, Eve were allegedly assaulted by the Madya couple on numerous occasions, with the couple threatening to destroy their homestead.

In an interview, Eve said she was assaulted by Stinzma Madya and his wife for supporting Zanu-PF and President Robert Mugabe.

Headman Chikuwe said attempts to resolve the deep-seated hatred and political intolerance failed due to the intolerance of Madya who even resisted police arrest on three different occasions.

The legislator for Buhera North, William Mutomba, who went to the Tapfuma homestead to assess the damaged property and goods, expressed shock over the resurgence of politically motivated violence in the area.

He called on villagers to live in peace and harmony and to exercise political tolerance and stop infusing family disputes into politics.

Stinzma Madya and his wife were arrested last week and are now facing three charges of obstructing the course of justice after resisting police arrest three times.

They were only arrested after police fired warning shots.

The couple is also facing assault charges and malicious injury to property for allegedly instigating the inferno which consumed property and goods belonging to the Tapfuma family.

Police confirmed the incident which was reported at Dorowa Police Station.