Lowveld news 10th May 2008
Terror campaign escalates
ZANU PF’s well planned terror campaign is escalating in the Lowveld now, Army commanders in plain clothes are in the communal and farming areas swapping groups of youth militia around so that they will not be recognized by the local people.
On Friday there were queues of youth that we did not recognize cashing in cheques for exactly 1 billion dollars. It is thought that these are the militia cashing in their pay or reward.
On the 2nd May in Zaka East militia led by war vets Gwava and Samson Svundu chased 14 youths at Chiredzana dip tank (ward 13) but only succeeded in catching three of them. They were paraded and severely beaten up in front of a gathering of some 2000 odd people who were told that if this area voted for the MDC president Morgan Tsvangiria, all hell would break loose for them. One of the young boys Jerry Tolivaripi had to be hospitalized at St. Anthonys Mission Hospital, but only 5 days later for serious deep wounds and bone fractures to his arms, the other 2 were also treated for deep cuts and bruises.
Reports say that many people have left this area for the towns and cities.
Police were seen at this evil demonstration, but did not take part nor did they do anything to prevent it.
The Chiredzi and Zaka parliamentary candidates with me have been threatened with death.
Violence update Lowveld
1) Lowveld News 8th May 2008
Threats and violence.
Reports are now coming in from Zaka, and Chiredzi South that people are getting beaten by the army or militia dressed in army uniforms. It is reported that these militia are calling meetings, when the people are assembled they castigate them for voting for the MDC and then select several people and beat the hell out of them in front of the crowd. They then warn them that they must vote for Mugabe in the coming rerun.
We had a passenger train arrive yesterday in Chiredzi with more people on it than I have ever seen. I believe that people are moving away from areas that are more affected by violence than the Lowveld.
We now have casualties and require the means to assist them with hospitalization and transport.
2) Last night farmers in the Chegutu area, south of Harare, were all called into the police station in Chegutu and were "re-educated" in a lecture on how to vote.
They were told that if they or their workers voted for MDC in an election run-off they would not be allowed to farm anymore and would be evicted.
They were then told they would be escorted back to their farms this morning and the war veterns and militia that have been harrassing them would be called off the farms. Many of them have been living in the town for security reasons after the vicious attack on the Rogers family on the 6th of May which left Mr. and Mrs. Rogers with serious injuries. Their farmhouse was looted and trashed in the attack.
3) Farmers in Chegutu were called to a meeting by the police. They were told to return to their farms. If RGM did not get in next time the war would restart. The riot act was read to them.
ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission)
It is interesting (and sinister) to note that when the MDC people are being abducted from, or attacked in their homes, all the information on these people is known by the assailants. Has ZEC supplied the necessary information ?
The violence continues unabated. Thanks to assistance from the community, trucks are being made available, with drivers, to go to outlying areas to uplift the injured and bring them in for much needed medical attention.