Sabhukus deny food to MDC supporters in Mashonaland Central


By Tererai Karimakwenda
09 August 2005

Henry Chimbiri, the information officer for the MDC in Mashonaland Central province, reports that their supporters are being denied maize by the traditional leaders in some areas. Chimbiri said the problem has become very serious in an area called Mukumbura. Many sabhukus there are reported to have lists of ZANU-PF supporters who can easily get maize. But MDC supporters who are known or suspected are simply told to go away.

This is not a new practice in Zimbabwe, but it is the ever-growing role of traditional leaders that is of concern. Traditionally sabhukus play the opposite role, being the caretakers of the people in their area. But that role has been increasingly threatened by ZANU-PF in a desperate campaign to maintain control over the rural populations which are growing.

An angry Chimbiri warned these sabhukus, especially those near a secondary school named Katarira, that one day they will be made to account for their actions. Chimbiri stressed the fact that the MDC is keeping lists of perpetrators and collecting evidence. Many of the names will be publicised later this week.