Leaked memo says opposition crackdown set for Matabeleland

By Lance Guma
28 April 2008

A crackdown on opposition activists primarily targeting Mashonaland, Masvingo and Manicaland areas will soon be extended to Matabeleland, opposition sources suggest. Although there have been cases of political violence in Matabeleland areas like Nkayi, Newsreel understands the International Trade Fair that ended over the weekend in Bulawayo was the prime reason for state security details holding back in other areas. Leaked documents suggest military, militia and police details will begin operations after May 1 and will be targeting MDC activists in terror campaigns.

According to a leaked Zanu PF memo that ended up in the hands of a villager in the area, the Matobo district in Matabeleland South will be targeted first. He has since forwarded it to the opposition. Details of the terror campaign coincide with war veterans chairman Jabulani Sibanda moving from Harare to his traditional Bulawayo base last week Thursday. Mugabe’s regime rewarded the war vets leader with a plush home and 4x4 vehicle for his use in the capital. While in Harare, Sibanda allegedly axed an MDC supporter in the head during one of the campaigns he directed. The wounded activist was one of the hundreds who sought refuge at the MDC Harvest House headquarters in the city.

Police on Friday raided the offices and arrested over 250 of the victims before loading them onto buses and lorries parked outside. According to the MDC 24 babies and 40 children under the age of six, plus 30 elderly villagers, were among the arrested. Meanwhile High Court Judge Mary Anne Gowora had ordered the police to release the activists arrested in the raids or bring them to court by 4pm on Monday. The ruling followed an urgent application by opposition lawyers demanding their immediate release. The High Court granted an order allowing those detained to have access to medical treatment, food and their lawyers. Late Monday the MDC said none of these orders had been complied with.

On Friday we reported that a female MDC activist was shot and killed by war veterans in Rusape. New information suggests she was part of a group of 7 MDC activists who were shot at after they went to a torture base at Manonga School, demanding the release of their colleagues who had been abducted by soldiers. Tabith Marume was shot in the stomach and died on her way to Mutare General Hospital.