News / National
Harassment and intimidation continues in Hurungwe West
18 Jun 2015 at 06:18hrs | Views
Heal Zimbabwe has expressed grave concern over continued cases of intimidation in Hurungwe West, days after the June 10 by-elections. In the run up to the elections, Hurungwe West was characterised by harassment and intimidation of perceived supporters of Independent candidate, Temba Mliswa by supporters loyal to Hurungwe West Legislator, Keith Guzah.
The Trust said on 14 June 2015, alleged ZANU PF youths invaded the residence of Francis Pasipanodya, who was a polling agent for Mliswa and threatened to burn his house for supporting Mliswa during the by elections. "The youths also threatened other Mliswa's polling agents, Roderick Munayo, Phyllis Katemanyoka,Gabriel Nyamuronga and Edward Moyo in Ward 25 accusing them of also supporting Temba Mliswa during the by elections," said the Trust.
"The ZANU PF youths vowed that these 5 people were no longer allowed to stay in the area and threatened to burn their houses if they resist to vacate. The matter has since been reported to the police and no arrests have been made. The 5 have already fled the area."
Heal Zimbabwe implored the police to launch an investigation into the continued intimidation of people in Hurungwe.
"And also urges the newly elected legislator Mr Guzah to lead the process of restoring order and peace in Hurungwe West as MPs are representatives of everyone in the community regardless of political affiliation," said the Trust.
"The Government must also ensure that its citizens enjoy constitutional rights such as civil and political liberties which do not criminalise anyone from exercising their right of making political choices freely and participating in the activities of a political party or individual. It is important for every citizen to realise that upholding peace is every person's responsibility because "…peace begins with you, peace begins with me; peace begins with us all…".
The Trust said on 14 June 2015, alleged ZANU PF youths invaded the residence of Francis Pasipanodya, who was a polling agent for Mliswa and threatened to burn his house for supporting Mliswa during the by elections. "The youths also threatened other Mliswa's polling agents, Roderick Munayo, Phyllis Katemanyoka,Gabriel Nyamuronga and Edward Moyo in Ward 25 accusing them of also supporting Temba Mliswa during the by elections," said the Trust.
"The ZANU PF youths vowed that these 5 people were no longer allowed to stay in the area and threatened to burn their houses if they resist to vacate. The matter has since been reported to the police and no arrests have been made. The 5 have already fled the area."
"And also urges the newly elected legislator Mr Guzah to lead the process of restoring order and peace in Hurungwe West as MPs are representatives of everyone in the community regardless of political affiliation," said the Trust.
"The Government must also ensure that its citizens enjoy constitutional rights such as civil and political liberties which do not criminalise anyone from exercising their right of making political choices freely and participating in the activities of a political party or individual. It is important for every citizen to realise that upholding peace is every person's responsibility because "…peace begins with you, peace begins with me; peace begins with us all…".
Source - Byo24News
