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Chenhamo Chimutengwende remembered for alleged election violence
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ZANU-PF nationalist and former Cabinet minister Chenhamo Chimutengwende, who passed away last week at the age of 81, has been remembered for his controversial involvement in orchestrating violence during the 2000 election period.
Chimutengwende succumbed to chronic kidney disease on Thursday last week. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared him a national hero.
Opposition politician Elliot-PFebve recalled an incident during the 2000 election where Chimutengwende was implicated in orchestrating violence against MDC supporters in Mashonaland Central province.
"Zanu-PF supporters wearing campaign T-shirts bearing the slogan 'Wako Ndewako Che' descended on the gathering armed with machetes, knobkerries, and iron bars,"PFebve alleged. "They started attacking indiscriminately, even the police were surprised and caught unaware."
Pfebve claimed that he had to pull out his licensed pistol to scare off the attackers and protect the defenseless crowd. He alleged that the attack had been premeditated, with Chimutengwende reportedly providing Z$7,000 to disrupt the MDC rally.
Following the attack, eight Zanu-PF supporters were arrested and appeared in court, but were later released on bail due to alleged interference by high-ranking officials such as Chimutengwende and the late Border Gezi.
"Zanu-PF's dirty tricks of marauding the streets targeting the opposition had begun, committing crimes with impunity," PFebve said.
Legacy and Divisiveness
Chimutengwende was a prominent figure in Zimbabwean politics, known for his eloquence and contributions to the liberation struggle. He served as the Information minister, playing a significant role in shaping the country's media policies.
However, his legacy remains divisive, with allegations of his involvement in suppressing opposition voices casting a shadow over his accomplishments.
Zanu-PF national chairperson and Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri described Chimutengwende as a strong member of the ruling party who played a major role before and after independence. She praised his commitment to the party and his leadership roles, including his tenure as Minister of State for Public and Interactive Affairs.
Chimutengwende's political career spanned over 23 years, serving as a legislator for Mazowe East and Mazowe Central constituencies, Mashonaland Central Zanu-PF provincial chairperson, and a politburo member. Despite his long tenure, he lost his parliamentary seat in the 2008 general election, which marked the end of his career as a Member of Parliament.
Chimutengwende succumbed to chronic kidney disease on Thursday last week. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared him a national hero.
Opposition politician Elliot-PFebve recalled an incident during the 2000 election where Chimutengwende was implicated in orchestrating violence against MDC supporters in Mashonaland Central province.
"Zanu-PF supporters wearing campaign T-shirts bearing the slogan 'Wako Ndewako Che' descended on the gathering armed with machetes, knobkerries, and iron bars,"PFebve alleged. "They started attacking indiscriminately, even the police were surprised and caught unaware."
Pfebve claimed that he had to pull out his licensed pistol to scare off the attackers and protect the defenseless crowd. He alleged that the attack had been premeditated, with Chimutengwende reportedly providing Z$7,000 to disrupt the MDC rally.
Following the attack, eight Zanu-PF supporters were arrested and appeared in court, but were later released on bail due to alleged interference by high-ranking officials such as Chimutengwende and the late Border Gezi.
"Zanu-PF's dirty tricks of marauding the streets targeting the opposition had begun, committing crimes with impunity," PFebve said.
Legacy and Divisiveness
Chimutengwende was a prominent figure in Zimbabwean politics, known for his eloquence and contributions to the liberation struggle. He served as the Information minister, playing a significant role in shaping the country's media policies.
However, his legacy remains divisive, with allegations of his involvement in suppressing opposition voices casting a shadow over his accomplishments.
Zanu-PF national chairperson and Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri described Chimutengwende as a strong member of the ruling party who played a major role before and after independence. She praised his commitment to the party and his leadership roles, including his tenure as Minister of State for Public and Interactive Affairs.
Chimutengwende's political career spanned over 23 years, serving as a legislator for Mazowe East and Mazowe Central constituencies, Mashonaland Central Zanu-PF provincial chairperson, and a politburo member. Despite his long tenure, he lost his parliamentary seat in the 2008 general election, which marked the end of his career as a Member of Parliament.
Source - newsday
