Zimbabweans seek refuge at US embassy Harare

By Violet Gonda
3 July 08

More desperate Zimbabweans have been trying to find sanctuary at a foreign embassy. A spokesperson for the United States embassy, Paul Engelstad, confirmed that at least 250 victims of politically motivated violence had arrived at their gates seeking help. The official said it’s not known yet what would happen to the refugees but the Red Cross and UNICEF had been at the scene. Recently an estimated 300 MDC supporters had sought refuge at the South African embassy in Harare.

The development comes amidst more reports of state sponsored violence, leading to the death of another MDC activist. It’s reported that Daniel Ngondo, an election agent for an MDC councillor in the Munyatipanzi area in Gokwe, was murdered by ZANU PF thugs on Wednesday afternoon. A relative of the deceased, who remains anonymous for security reasons, said his 65 year old cousin, together with two others, were ambushed when they had gone to help one of their members whose homestead had been burnt down the previous day.

The emailed report said: “Daniel and the other two people failed to escape and were beaten hard. Daniel died on the spot and the other two people are in serious condition. After murdering Daniel the group proceeded to Davison Magora's homestead and burnt it down. They also burnt down his neighbors homestead.” Daniel Ngondo’s body was taken to Nembudziya police station.

We were not able to get a comment from the police.

There was hope that the violence would cease in the aftermath of the African Union summit, where the political parties were called on to negotiate a peaceful settlement. But the events on the ground in Zimbabwe tell a different story.

Also this week the MP for Buhera South, Naison Nemadziva, was abducted at gunpoint at the Mutare magistrate court. His whereabouts are unknown.
Violence has also been reported in Masvingo and Mashonaland East provinces. Over 10 MDC supporters have been murdered since Zanu PF held its sham election on 27 June 2008, most of them from Manicaland province. At least 100 MDC supporters and officials have been killed since the first round of elections held on March 29.

Conservative estimates by the MDC say there are at least 200 people are still missing, a quarter of a million have been displaced and thousands tortured by members of the Mugabe regime.