'Mnangagwa stop intimidating villagers' - Heal Zimbabwe

Heal Zimbabwe has condemned the intimidation and threats being made  by ZANU PF- MP for Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe constituency, Auxillia Mnangagwa to opposition supporters in Chirumhanzu.

The organization which agitates for human rights and democracy said on 24 April 2015, during her election victory celebrations where she was meeting ZANU PF Ward Chairpersons, Auxillia confronted MDC-T Chairperson for Ward 11, James Mavedzenge whom she forced to denounce his support for the MDC-T.

"When he obliged, she threatened that the soldiers would beat him up if he does not bring other suspected MDC-T supporters in the ward so that they can also publicly denounce their party. James Mavedzenge has since fled the area in fear of further harassment and victimization," Heal Zimbabwe has revealed. "On 25, April 2015 again, ZANU PF Councillor for Ward 11, Gabriel Mavezere and ZANU PF Youth Chairperson Manenji ordered all youths in the ward to attend celebrations at Chamatanda Secondary School."

The organization said at the celebrations, the two addressed the congregation and mentioned that they have been sent by Mai Mnangagwa to tell all the youth to stop supporting any party that is not ZANU PF and anyone who fails to oblige shall be "dealt with" by members of the army who were part of her campaign trail.

"They also told the gathering that all headmen in the area have started compiling lists of all those suspected to support the opposition and the names shall be submitted to soldiers in the area," states Heal Zimbabwe.

"This is not the first time soldiers and security agents have been used to intimidate the electorate. During the run up to the by-elections in the area, known soldiers and security agents in cahoots with ZANU PF youths moved around the area harassing and threatening opposition supporters with death if Mrs Mnangagwa fail to win the seat."

The organization said these threats come at a time when the by-elections in the area are over and the threats are meant to quell any dissenting voices within the constituency.

"The threats by Mrs Mnangagwa are a direct contravention of 67 of the constitution which stipulates that every citizen is free to participate in any political gathering of their choice and to choose a leader of their choice," said Heal Zimbabwe. "Heal Zimbabwe calls on the Government to uphold citizens' rights. The soldiers and police should also uphold their constitutional mandate of respecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people and be non-partisan in the delivery of their duties."