Soldiers deployed in Chiredzi ahead of parliamentary by-election

By Lance Guma
15 January 2007

A 4-way political tussle is shaping up in the Chiredzi South constituency ahead of a parliamentary by-election that is likely to see the opposition fielding two candidates and the ruling Zanu PF party torn apart by factional fighting over their candidate. Soldiers from the Buffalo Range camp have also been deployed in the constituency in what the MDC says is an attempt to intimidate the electorate into voting for Lieutenant Colonel Kalisto Gwanetsa, the deputy commander of 2nd Brigade who is the Zanu PF candidate.

According to Tongai Matutu, the secretary for the Tsvangirai MDC Masvingo province, soldiers are currently being deployed in the Chikombedzi area particularly around the business centre. He explained that Zanu PF imposed Colonel Gwanetsa on the constituency and that there is intense resistance from the local Shangani people who consider him a foreigner in the area. Adding to the tension are reports that Colonel Gwanetsa is from Vice President Joyce Mujuru’s faction, which is battling for influence with Rural Housing Minister Emerson Mnangagwa’s faction. Mnangagwa’s candidate and supporters are threatening to vote for the opposition candidate to voice their disapproval.

Matutu told Newsreel the presence of the soldiers might also be an attempt to suppress this growing unrest. ‘As I speak they are already pitching tents in the area,’ he said. He anticipates the soldiers will unleash a reign of terror soon after the nomination process is over to try and achieve Colonel Gwanetsa’s election. Should Gwanetsa win the parliamentary seat, he is expected under law to resign from the army as civil servants are prohibited from participating in politics.

The Tsvangirai MDC has selected Emmaculate Makondo who has been the opposition candidate in previous elections. She garnered over 6000 votes in the previous election and Matutu told Newsreel this made them confident of her appeal in the area. The Mutambara MDC is reported to have selected Maya Zanamwi to contest the election but as yet the group is yet to make an official announcement. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has meanwhile announced that nomination courts for the by-election, rural district and urban council elections in Chiredzi South will sit on Tuesday.