Political intimidation escalate in Mash Central, Manicaland, Midlands and Mat North

Heal Zimbabwe the organisation fighting for the political rights and democracy in the country has revealed that intimidation and violence has as of last week escalated in Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, Midlands and Matabeleland North where Zanu PF activities and traditional leaders are forcing people into supporting the ruling party's activities not at their will.

"In Mashonaland Central at Guruve North, Chimanikire village Ward 6, villagers were forced by village heads to pay $1 for Independence celebrations especially those that received fertilizers from the Government," reads the Heal Zimbabwe report.

"In Guruve South, all villagers in the 14 wards were also forced to contribute $1 per person for Independence celebrations. The village heads moved around villages collecting the money on 10 April 2015. Those who refused to pay or did not have the money were threatened with eviction from the area."

Heal Zimbabwe said in Mashonaland Central's  Muzarabani area on 12 April 2015, in Muzarabani ward 20, Chawarira village, villagers were forced to pay $1 per individual for Independence celebrations.

"Known MDC supporters were threatened with unspecified action if they fail to attend the commemorations," reads the report.

"In Manicaland at Headlands, Cases of harassment and intimidation were recorded in Headlands, ward 12, on 10 April 2015 as the countdown to the June 10 by-elections begin. Kudzai Chipanga, MP for Makoni West, who is also the ZANU PF Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs, and a ZANU PF youths District Chairperson conducted a rally at Chikuse Business Centre in Tandi area and in attendance were also members from the Central Intelligent Organisation (CIO) who threatened the people who were present with unspecified action in case ZANU PF candidate, Christopher Chingosho loses."

Heal Zimbabwe reported that in Midlands' Chirumhanzu Zibagwe, ward 11, James Mavedzenge, MDC Ward Chairperson was forced by Hon A Mnangagwa on 22 April 2015 to publicly denounce his affiliation with MDC.

"This happened during a ZANU PF meeting at Linwood shops close to Chemakanda clinic where Mr Mavedzenge works. Mr Mavedzenge for fear of further victimisation obliged and was threatened with eviction if ever he joins MDC again," re[ported Heal Zimbabwe.

"In Matabeleland North, Tsholotsho constituency, ZANU PF activists carried out a door to door campaign on 1-2 May 2015 where they distributed 5kgs of rice per each household. The campaign was generally peaceful."

The organisation said in Mashonaland West, Hurungwe West is under siege as soldiers are camped in Sengwe and Dewe villages (ward 17 and 24). They are intimidating villagers, threatening them with death if the ZANU PF candidate loses the by-elections.

"Some members of the military are also camped at Chief Dandawa's homestead where they are collecting names of those alleged to be supporting the Independent Candidate,  Temba Mliswa," heal Zimbabwe reported.

"The matter has been reported to the police but no action has been taken. Manicaland In Chikanga Dangamvura election campaigns are going on peacefully."