Retribution against MDC activists worsens in Masvingo
By Tichaona Sibanda
23 November 2006

Scores of MDC activists from Gutu South, Bikita East and West in Masvingo province have fled their rural homes and sought refuge in Masvingo town following threats to their lives by Zanu (PF) supporters.

Traditional chiefs in these areas are reportedly spearheading the campaign to get rid of all MDC elements from their areas. Provincial chairman for the MDC in Masvingo, Wilstass Sitemere, said in Bikita chiefs are allegedly penalising people for attending MDC rallies.

Anyone known to have attended an MDC rally in Bikita East and West is being forced to pay a fine of Z$2000. In Gutu South chief Nemapare is demanding a goat as punishment from people who voted MDC in the recently held rural district council elections.

‘Most of our supporters have refused to pay these fines and as further punishment they are now being forced off their homes by Zanu (PF) supporters, led by their local chiefs and councillors,’ Sitemere said.

Several of those who have fled to Masvingo town refused to pay the fines. As a result they have been threatened that they will not live to see another day if they don’t settle their debts.

Sitemere said what is most worrying to them is how the chiefs and councillors were able to identify people who voted for the MDC when the balloting exercise was done in secret.

‘This only goes to show the chiefs and councillors are working hand in hand with Zanu (PF). How else could they have known that the people they are targeting are MDC supporters or voted MDC in the rural district council elections? asked Sitemere.

The Masvingo provincial executive is expected to convene a meeting this weekend to discuss the impending disaster, according to Sitemere.