Villagers forced to participate in Zanu PF politics

Communities are reportedly increasingly getting worried about forced participation in political processes such as meetings and rallies by perceived and known Zanu PF members.

Heal Zimbabwe Trust recorded 15 cases of forced participation in political processes.

The trust said on  2  August 2016, in Maramba-Pfungwe, Ward 7, Mr Chikumo who is both a Village Head and Zanu PF District Chairperson allegedly forced his subjects to have their names written down in a Zanu PF register so that they become registered voters or they risk losing food aid.

"The incident happened at Barahwe School where Mr Chikumo also said, as a war veteran, they were instructed not to tolerate opposition members and anyone who does not participate in the party's activities should compulsorily do so," said the trust.

"In Mwenezi East, Ward 5, Zanu PF Deputy Ward Chairperson Mr Ezra Mashindi told villagers on the 30th of July (at Rata business centre) that everyone should attend the party's meetings. He went further to say that anyone in the area who fails to attend the meetings will be labelled a supporter of Zimbabwe People First member, Mr Munyaradzi Sigogo."

The trust said he also warned them that Zanu PF youths had been deployed in the area to write down names of people boycotting meetings.

"Community members have now started attending some of the meetings being called for out of fear. Besides, it has also been noted that some community members were being forced to pay money towards the Heroes Day celebrations," said the trust.

"In Uzumba-Maramba, ward 8, Village head Mr Chitengu forced villagers to contribute $1.00 per household while in Mwenezi West teachers at Mwenezi Government School, Chingami Primary School, Masogwe High School, Chesvingo Primary School, Mavambo Primary School, Tsungirirai High School, Neshuro Secondary and Matande schools were ordered to pay at least $5 towards the Heroes day celebrations."

The trust also said a Public Service Inspector, Mr Gondo allegedly gave the directive to Headmasters to collect these $5 contributions.

"Villagers were threatened with denial of food aid while teachers were told that they will not be allowed to become election agents if they do not pay. Zanu PF Chairman Tarisai Nanga for Buhera Ward 18 and Zanu PF Secretary Rongai Muchemwa (Mutoko ward 20) also threatened that people who do not pay the $1.00 towards the heroes' day celebrations will be denied food aid. Similar cases were also recorded in Marondera West, Ward 15 (Village heads Chasi, Matongo, Bvukumbwe and Mhizha)," said the trust.