| Report on political violence in
Bulawayo, Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland
South and Midlands July 29, 2000 |
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Contents « Mat North & South Bulawayo » Midlands Violence against opposition party office bearers and supporters « Case index « Prev case Next case » Case 9 - Area: MberengwaI am the MDC chairperson for Mberengwa East, based at Mataga. It started when the results of the February referendum came out. They started intimidating me because I was the chairperson. They alleged that I was responsible for the campaigning of the no vote. From there, they attacked my shop several times, and I made reports to the police on 39 different occasions. No action was taken at any point. Windows were destroyed, and the telephone was disconnected and vandalized. On another occasion cash amounting to $3000 was stolen, together with several MDC documents. The Zanu (PF) supporters were being led by Early Masendu Shiri and Later, who is a security guard at Mataga Night Club. Joramu Chirasha, who is a businessman, and the provincial Zanu (PF) headquarters were providing the transport to ferry the supporters to meetings. One headmaster, Munyaradzi Ndlovu, Mai Matavire, Mai Mapingire,. P.P. Shumba (an ex-combatant), Fidzi Shiri, Ernest Shoko, Sikhangizile and Sithaviso Mataka, and Joyce Chinyoka were present in all the disturbances, and intimidation. My shop was burnt down on 31 May, and I lost property worth over $700 000. On 11 May, Zanu (PF) held a rally at Mataga Council Hall, addressed by Richard Hove, and it was ordered that I should be murdered by 24 and 25 April (election date). On the hit list were more than 20 MDC members who were also supposed to be eliminated by election time. We could not easily campaign because they could come and intimidate us. On 30 May, I fled after some Zanu (PF) supporters had planned to abduct and kill me. I went and stayed at Buchwa, with another family. Before that I had spent 7 days hiding in the mountains. On 31 May I was assaulted by 7 people whom I do not know. They were using sticks to hit me, and I suffered some injuries, including my left knee and arm. This was the seventh and last time I was assaulted. I then went and sought refuge in Zvishavane, where there were about 40 to 50 other political refuges. My house was also destroyed, along with all the property inside it, and they are currently using my house as a toilet. I discovered this when I went there with the NCA people. My family and workers have deserted the place, without any other property than the clothes that they were wearing (the same applies to me). I received medication for the injuries sustained during the assaults. Some sort of compensation was promised for the property that had been destroyed On several occasions the Mataga police could not take action and at times shouted at us for disturbing their nights with their wives because of the numerous reports of violence. TOP |