Violence breaks out in Chikomba & Rushinga ahead of by-elections

By Lance Guma
06 October 2006

Political violence has erupted in the Chikomba and Rushinga parliamentary constituencies days before two by-elections are held in the areas. Opposition MDC and Zanu PF candidates are running for vacant seats created by the death of Zanu PF legislators Tichaona Jokonya and Sandra Machirori. A spokesman for the Tsvangirai MDC, Nelson Chamisa says ruling party mobs are turning the two constituencies into no go areas for the opposition. The MDC candidate in Chikomba reportedly had his garage and shop vandalised by suspected Zanu PF supporters.

MDC supporters in the two areas are said to be unable to wear their party regalia because of harassment and intimidation. The Mupati and Sadza areas are particularly volatile and according to Chamisa have witnessed several beatings. The ward chairperson and organising secretary for Sadza have all been beaten up by ruling party mobs. Several other supporters have met the same fate.

Other reports suggest soldiers have been deployed in the area and are beating up people suspected to sympathise with the MDC. Mose Jiri from the Tsvangirai MDC will battle it out with Zanu PF’s Steven Musekiwa in Chikomba while Kudakwashe Chideya also from the Tsvangirai MDC faces ruling party candidate Lazarus Dokora. The Mutambara MDC has said it will not contest the elections.

Elsewhere in the country pending rural district council elections have also created similar political tensions. It’s reported that an MDC candidate in Gokwe South had his house burnt down by ruling party supporters. Interestingly the candidate Samson Ncube is running unopposed for the rural council seat. Another party activist is reported to have had his plough confiscated by the local chief who accused him of campaigning for the opposition candidate.