News / Local
Bikita West candidate, election agent attacked
18 Jan 2017 at 10:12hrs | Views
Opposition candidate for Bikita West National Assembly by-election and National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) representative Madock Chivasa together with his election agent, Thomas Mudzamiri have reportedly been attacked by unidentified assailants at Nyika growth point.
The by-election is set for this Saturday.
Election Resource Centre (ERC) said the nature of the assault gives the impression that this could reasonably be another case of politically motivated violence following similar attacks upon supporters of Zimbabwe People First party in recent weeks.
"The escalation of violence is deplorable and confirms the enduring vice of intolerance during electoral contests" it said in a statement.
"The ERC calls upon the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission whose function is "to support and entrench human rights and democracy" as stipulated in Chapter 12 section 233 (a) of the Constitution to immediately investigate the matter and take appropriate action as provided for in the Code of Conduct for Elections.
"The ERC urges the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) as an institution responsible for enforcement of the law to ensure that the arrests of the perpetrators of violence in Bikita West is done expeditiously".
Recently, Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister Shuvai Mahofa has warned that violence coupled with abductions would be unleashed in Bikita West if Zanu PF is defeated in the by-election.
Mahofa hinted on violence at a rally at Gwindingwi Primary School attended by acting president Emmerson Mnangagwa.
"This is not a constituency to play silly games. There are some who disappeared in this constituency as you know. Let us go and vote wisely.
"This party has no room for funny business. Anyone who dares to do that will find themselves in deep trouble" she said.
Bikita West fell vacant following the 10-year imprisonment of former legislator, Munyaradzi Kereke (Zanu PF) for raping a minor at gunpoint.
Zanu-PF's Beauty Chabaya will fight it out with Zimbabwe People First's Kudakwashe Gopo, Chivasa, Terence Makumbo of Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe (PDZ), independent candidate Innocent Muzvimbiri and former Bikita West legislator Heya Shoko.
The by-election is set for this Saturday.
Election Resource Centre (ERC) said the nature of the assault gives the impression that this could reasonably be another case of politically motivated violence following similar attacks upon supporters of Zimbabwe People First party in recent weeks.
"The escalation of violence is deplorable and confirms the enduring vice of intolerance during electoral contests" it said in a statement.
"The ERC calls upon the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission whose function is "to support and entrench human rights and democracy" as stipulated in Chapter 12 section 233 (a) of the Constitution to immediately investigate the matter and take appropriate action as provided for in the Code of Conduct for Elections.
"The ERC urges the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) as an institution responsible for enforcement of the law to ensure that the arrests of the perpetrators of violence in Bikita West is done expeditiously".
Mahofa hinted on violence at a rally at Gwindingwi Primary School attended by acting president Emmerson Mnangagwa.
"This is not a constituency to play silly games. There are some who disappeared in this constituency as you know. Let us go and vote wisely.
"This party has no room for funny business. Anyone who dares to do that will find themselves in deep trouble" she said.
Bikita West fell vacant following the 10-year imprisonment of former legislator, Munyaradzi Kereke (Zanu PF) for raping a minor at gunpoint.
Zanu-PF's Beauty Chabaya will fight it out with Zimbabwe People First's Kudakwashe Gopo, Chivasa, Terence Makumbo of Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe (PDZ), independent candidate Innocent Muzvimbiri and former Bikita West legislator Heya Shoko.
Source - Byo24News
