News / Local
Fear and intimidation cloud Mabvuku-Tafara by-election campaign
07 Dec 2023 at 05:33hrs | Views
Political tension has intensified in the Mabvuku-Tafara constituency ahead of Saturday's by-election, prompting opposition candidate Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi to go into hiding.
Kufahakutizwi, vying to retain his parliamentary seat under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), stated that there is a concerted effort by his political rivals to disrupt his campaign through intimidation. Allegations include threats to voters, with claims that failure to support Kufahakutizwi would result in potential acts of terror. Additionally, Kufahakutizwi highlighted that two dubious charges had been framed against him.
The political environment in Mabvuku drew attention in November when Tapfumaneyi Masaya was found dead three days after being abducted while conducting door-to-door campaigns for Kufahakutizwi.
Several CCC supporters in Mabvuku accused supporters of Zanu-PF candidate Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya of resorting to violence and intimidation. Recent clashes between CCC and Zanu-PF youths in Mabvuku further underscored the heightened tensions.
Despite attempts to seek comments from Zanu-PF provincial chairperson Goodwills Masimirembwa, no response was received as his mobile phone went unanswered multiple times.
The by-election in Mabvuku-Tafara, scheduled for Saturday, follows the recall of Kufahakutizwi by self-proclaimed CCC Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu.
Kufahakutizwi, vying to retain his parliamentary seat under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), stated that there is a concerted effort by his political rivals to disrupt his campaign through intimidation. Allegations include threats to voters, with claims that failure to support Kufahakutizwi would result in potential acts of terror. Additionally, Kufahakutizwi highlighted that two dubious charges had been framed against him.
The political environment in Mabvuku drew attention in November when Tapfumaneyi Masaya was found dead three days after being abducted while conducting door-to-door campaigns for Kufahakutizwi.
Several CCC supporters in Mabvuku accused supporters of Zanu-PF candidate Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya of resorting to violence and intimidation. Recent clashes between CCC and Zanu-PF youths in Mabvuku further underscored the heightened tensions.
Despite attempts to seek comments from Zanu-PF provincial chairperson Goodwills Masimirembwa, no response was received as his mobile phone went unanswered multiple times.
The by-election in Mabvuku-Tafara, scheduled for Saturday, follows the recall of Kufahakutizwi by self-proclaimed CCC Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu.
Source - newzimbabwe
