ZANU PF violence intensifies in Mbare

Posted by on Friday, January 27, 2012 in Violence, Zimbabwe politics, ZPF Youths | 3 comments

ZANU PF thugs are intensifying violence in Mbare

By Tererai Karimakwenda
19 January, 2012

A legislator from the MDC-T, who was forced by ZANU PF thugs to abandon his shop in Harare, has spoken out about intensifying violence in Mbare and the “disappointing” lack of action by government.

Morgan Femai, the MDC-T Harare Province Chairperson, also blasted the police for allowing ZANU PF thugs to conduct daily meetings, where they force vendors to pay one dollar each or give up some of their goods. Beatings are reportedly common at these illegal meetings.

Femai explained that violent thugs moved into his shop in Mbare four months ago and forced him out eventually. He said they are conducting illegal activities there and collecting rent for the premises.

“I already reported this to police and JOMIC (Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee) and they have done nothing about it,” Femai said, adding: “They tell my customers don’t give money to a British. Do I look British?”

JOMIC includes members from all political parties in the coalition government and is meant to oversee the implementation of Global Political Agreement (GPA). Creating a peaceful environment to conduct free and fair elections tops their list of priorities. The group however has been criticised for not fulfilling its mandate and for being unable to hold ZANU PF accountable to its refusal to honour the GPA.

Femai said politically motivated violence has intensified in Mbare and there have been no press reports about it. According to the MDC official, Mbare gangs are operating with total impunity.

“There is a candidate who wants to stand for ZANU PF in Mbare and he is the reason for this violence. They believe if you beat people then they will vote for you,” the legislator said.

The level of fear in Mbare became clear when Femai refused to name the thugs that took over his shop, saying this would make him vulnerable.
“You know what happens, when you name them they come and want to know why,” Femai said.

The continuing violence meanwhile flies in the face of last year’s calls by the principals in the unity government for an end to politically motivated assaults. However, there is a general consensus that Robert Mugabe and ZANU PF can end violence if they truly wanted to, by ordering the arrests of all perpetrators and warning any future offenders.

  • Anonymous

    ZANU(PF) yakaora kare.

  • Chadwickluk

    what do you expect from an illegitimate party like ZANU PF whose leader an old idealess man who’s waiting for dear God to take him before the world take him. They are detemined by all means necessary to stay in power looting the wealthy of the country at the expence of the nation and amass wealthy to their individual pride. Zimbabwe rise up for your freedom; It begins with you..

  • Chimbi Manwa

    Is this what we fought for? From Rhodesian Front terrorism to Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) terrorism. Those within ZANU (PF) with any conscience must stop this nonsense. Citizens must never be harassed for the sake of political power. It seems some ZANU PF people want Zim to be another Somalia. People may soon start retaliating and then a civil war may be in the making. For the love of God let’s stop violence and engage in a battle of ideas.