Tandare’s widow threatened with torture by Chipangano youth gang
By Tererai Karimakwenda
11 April, 2007

The wife of the late NCA activist and opposition supporter who was slain by police last month has been threatened with torture and rape by a government sponsored youth gang that operates with impunity. According to the Crisis Coalition, members of the notorious Chipangano terror group visited the home of the late Gift Tandare in Glen View last Thursday chanting ZANU-PF slogans. They ordered his widow to provide them with the names of members of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) who attended the funeral of the slain activist in his rural home of Mhondoro. Mrs Tandare fled from the scene and went to stay with relatives for the Easter holiday. But after a few days even they asked her to leave saying the gang knew where they live and might victimise them as well. Mrs Tandare is back in Glen view with her three children and living in constant fear.

It is believed the violent youths’ activities are funded by ZANU-PF MP for Mt. Darwin Saviour Kasukuwere. They have been in existence since the 2002 presidential elections during which they terrorised opposition supporters and officials. Although their violent acts have been well documented and names provided to the police, none of the group’s members have been arrested and prosecuted.

Tabani Moyo of the Crisis Coalition said Mrs Tandare, along with her two young daughters and son named Gift Junior, had just finished their supper last Thursday when the Chipangano gang arrived. Most of them stayed outside the yard chanting slogans but 8 of the top thugs entered her home. They quizzed her as to why any members of the NCA had been allowed to attend Gift’s burial in Mhondoro. Moyo explained that the gang knew very well that Gift was the NCA chairperson for Glen View and it was perfectly expected that NCA members would assist the family with his burial and other arrangements.

The thugs then told Mrs Tandare they would beat her, rape and torture her if she did not comply. According to Moyo, the frightened widow fled from her home leaving the three children who were collected later by a relative. But after staying with family for Easter, Mrs Tandare was asked to leave because her relatives believe that Saviour Kasukuwere, the MP for the area, knows their location and might send the Chipangano gang.