Chipinge rocked by political violence

By Tichaona Sibanda
26 September 2007

Scores of terrified people in Chipinge have fled the area in fresh political violence that has resulted in the arrest and assault of opposition MDC activists.
Ruling Zanu-PF youths armed with stones and sticks have been attacking leading MDC activists in the isolated district. The crackdown on MDC activists has spread across the south eastern district, reportedly leaving one seriously injured and at least 15 injured in a number of separate attacks.
The attacks which first began in Ngaone, north of Chipinge town have now spread to areas in Tanganda, and outlining border areas of Mount Selinda and Rusitu. These areas are right on the border with Mozambique.
Political tensions have been on the rise in Chipinge since the beginning of this month when the MDC held successful rallies in the district. MDC district chairman for Chipinge north, Godfrey Chenjerai, accused the head of the Central Intelligence Organisation in Chipinge town, Joseph Chiminya, of orchestrating the violence.

Chenjerai said eleven of their activists have been held in police cells at Chipangai for the last two weeks. One of them, Stanley Mabuyaye, is reported to be battling for life after he was severely tortured for organizing MDC rallies.

‘We’re now living under the law of the jungle in Chipinge. All known MDC activists are being forced out of their lodgings, and most are fleeing in numbers because of threats by war veterans and Zanu-PF youth,’ Chenjerai said.

Every time the MDC organizes a rally now, state security agents take over the venue and then start distributing maize. Known MDC activists are forbidden from getting near these distribution points.

Chenjerai said they have seen military and police reinforcements coming into the district from areas far as Mutare and Chimanimani. The huge presence of security agents has however not deterred people from attending MDC rallies, according to Chenjerai.