Villagers threatened over participating in NERA protests

Villagers in Mazowe Central ward 11 are reportedly living in fear after the ruling Zanu PF youths in the ward went around threatening them with violence and victimisation if they participated in the opposition political parties joint demonstrations under the national Electoral Reform Agenda.

Heal Zimbabwe Trust indicated that on 16 September 2016, Zanu PF Youth Chairperson, Nesbert Gatsi and Zanu PF youths moved around in the ward threatening people against participating in the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) that was supposed to be held on 17 September 2016.The NERA demonstration was to push government to implement electoral reforms ahead of the 2018 elections.

"The demonstration was supposed to commence at Muchirikuenda Business centre and end at Nzvimbo Growth point. Gatsi openly told people that Detective Kachigamba who is stationed at Chombire police station had given him a directive that they should write down names of people who participate in the demonstration so that they can be arrested," the trust said.

"Gatsi further assigned people to identify the addresses of the MDC-T District chairperson, Patrick Bhozha and MDC-T District Organizing Secretary Mavura Dembere whom they accuse of mobilizing community members to participate in the demonstration. Gatsi warned people against participating in the activities of opposition parties, as this will force Zanu PF to set up bases in the area as a counter strategy."