Brigton Chiseva

MASVINGO – Following recent political violence incidents that claimed the lives of two people and left some nursing injuries in Kwekwe and Gokwe, political analysts have warned of a possible 2008 violence scenario in the run up to the 2023 general elections.
Some have said the recent incidents were a dry run to what is going to happen in 2023 saying there is a possibility of returning ‘fire with fire’.
Great Zimbabwe University lecturer and political commentator Dr Davison Mabweazara Mugodzwa said what happened in Kwekwe gives a gory picture of possible future clashes saying members of the opposition now seem ready to retaliate if they are provoked and this can lead to blood bath.
“People are now fed up with the situation; they are answering to the politics of the stomach. People are hungry and they say a hungry man is an angry man so we are likely to see a repeat of the 2008 situation in 2023,” said Mugodzwa
The Kwekwe incident has been attributed to statements made a day before by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga where he said they will crash the opposition like lice.
Mugodzwa however said people no longer listen to old guys who are in power saying it is the youth who have just learnt to defend themselves.
“People no longer listen to these old rich guys in positions. It is the stomachs that are dictating the pace now. People are hungry and they can do anything to defend themselves. The meeting was sanctioned by the police and some wanted to disrupt it and people retaliated as we all saw,” said Mugodzwa.
Another analyst Dr Wellington Gadzikwa said the Zimbabwean political climate was now charged and something needed to be done urgently to diffuse the pending crisis.
“It looks like the Zimbabwean political climate is highly charged and if nothing is done to diffuse the tensions then worse things could happen. The impending drought and the persistent harsh economic environment could add more propensities for conflict in the political realm. Violence is largely a reflection of endemic poverty as citizens are becoming more politically conscious and feel that the vote will be the panacea to their liberation,” said Dr Gadzikwa.
He went on to say political players should not make statements that influence members to engage in violent behaviour.
“Political players must desist from seemingly inciting and spreading language that encourages conflict or fame elections as a duel or war, they must reign in on their errant members,” said Dr Gadzikwa
Another commentator professor Charles Pfukwa said violence should be condemned at all cost and said what happened in Kwekwe was unfortunate and should be avoided at all cost saying if it is not addressed could lead to serious issues.
“Violence is condemned at all cost and we should let the law take its course. We don’t have to point fingers at each other but make sure we avoid a similar situation and that is everyone’s responsibility. ZEC, political players, the electorate, security forces, the Peace and Reconciliation Commission, the clergy, traditional leaders and everyone else should be involved if we are to end this,” said Professor Pfukwa.
Another analyst who preferred anonymity said the Kwekwe incident was worrisome because of our not-so-good history as a nation which dates back to the 2000s.
“As a nation we have a history of political violence which started in the early 2000s. The violence escalated as time moved on and the 2008 era was the peak. So what happens is if these guys in power feel threatened from their opponents they pretend to have lost control of their supporters who would then cause violence,” said the analyst.
The analyst further said another worrisome issue is the bulge of unemployed youths who are excitable and can be easily manipulated, aggravated by the growing cases of drug abuse and drug trafficking, which were not as popular in previous years.
“We have a high number of unemployed youths now who are excitable and can easily be manipulated. In 2008 drug abuse was lower compared to now and you can see the worry we have if something is not done,” said the analyst.
Human rights activist and Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project Jestina Mukoko echoed the same sentiments on drug abuse saying unemployed people were being lured into violence for a container of Chibuku beer.
“The police memo from the Kwekwe incident proves that the accused people are unemployed, that tells us that they are being abused for beer and other small tokens which they accept with the intention of fending for themselves and their families. However, money with blood is not good,” said Mukoko.
She went on to say if perpetrators of violence are not arrested then the country is going to witness more cases of violence which she said would only benefit the parties aligned to the perpetrators.
“If the constitution is not respected and the accused don’t get punished, we are likely to see more as it benefits those in power. This incident will make people afraid to associate with the opposition though the constitution guarantees freedom of association,” She said.
She warned political leaders against inciting statements that are likely to cause violence saying people should be aware that beneficiaries of violence do not mobilise their children towards harm’s way.
“People should know that these guys do not mobilise their children to perpetuate violence but other people’s and they should not be tricked into violence. The leaders are supposed to avoid using inflammatory language when addressing people which can incite the public,” she said.
Youth Decide Director Learnmore Munhangu said a repeat of 2008 or worse is inevitable unless something is done saying the way other leaders are delivering toxic speeches in front of their supporters could perpetuate a bloody election period.
“Basing from reports which are in circulation, it’s very clear that we are heading towards a replica of the disastrous 2008 situation. The socio-political environment is spiteful. All political players are aggressive and some seem to almost equal in terms of support base.
“Some leaders are delivering toxic and malevolent speeches in front of supporters as a way of perpetuating violence and if that continues, bloodshed is inevitable,” said Munhangu
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) Spokesperson Obert Gutu said as a commission they condemn any form of violence and said there should be peace always, election period or not.
“I cannot prophesy if there will be violence in the upcoming election or not but as a commission we are against violence all the time and all generations be it election time or not, let there be peace every time,” said Gutu.

…Svuure claims he is the only one with right to source donations

Melinda Kusemachibi

Zaka Central Member of Parliament Davison Svuure left villagers shocked after he blocked food aid donations sourced by ward 13 councilor Manfred Mada meant to benefit villagers, claiming that he was the only one with the right to source such donations, a move some said is a bid to consolidate his position as the front runner for the 2023 harmonized elections.
Mada said Svuure went further to write a letter to the District Development Coordinator (DDC) Memory Dhliwayo dated February 22, 2022 instructing him to stop the donations.
“I however have reservations over the activities of one Tzuchi Foundation, an affiliate of Miriro Trust for which I apparently happen to be a Founding Board Member. I noted with concern as I have observed this organization being hijacked by Mr Manfred Mada, its local representative, and transformed into a campaign vehicle in pursuit of his political aspirations.
“Mr Mada happens to be the councilor for ward 13 in Zaka Central Constituency, a known political activist and an aspiring candidate for the forthcoming House of Assembly elections. Mr Mada coordinates the activities of Miriro Trust/Tzuchi Foundation and he has literally transformed this organization into a vehicle for his political expediency,” read part of the letter by Svuure.
The letter went on to stipulate that volunteers are being used as campaigners in different wards.
“I have seen the sprouting up of unsanctioned programmes across the constituency which initially started in wards 13 and 15 but now spreading to ward 19 and others. I have also noticed an establishment of campaign agents disguised as volunteers who have been set up in the above mentioned wards. Their real purpose has remained a guarded secret but they masquerade as community workers. This group of so called volunteers ironically now brooding discontent because of these recruits are of an antagonistic, vindictive and disloyal personality who are undoubtedly poised for a confrontation and have lately been causing problems especially on input distribution programmes, which have been characterized by looting, especially in ward 19,” the letter read.
However contacted for comment Davison Svuure said he had no comment over the issue.
“I have no comment on that. Besides, l have a way of addressing that and other issues that pertain people that vote for me like you say and I do not believe doing that through the press is the best,” said Svuure.
Mada said that Svuure was frustrated as villagers claimed that he has done nothing towards development of the constituency since he was elected MP.
“I have a donor named TzuChi Foundation from Taiwan, an organization which has a well signed MOU with the government that was giving the villagers rice and other things, so this frustrates MP Svuure as the villagers are complaining that he has done nothing towards development of the constituency as compared to me. This led him to write a letter to DDC blocking people from receiving food aid. When l tried to talk to the DDC she said she will not get involved because its politics,” said Mada.
Efforts to get a comment from Dhliwayo were fruitless until the time of publishing.
It is said that Mada is eying Zaka Central constituency come 2023 hence the clashes with Svuure.
This is not the first time the two have clashed as they once clashed in 2021 when councilors demanded accountability from Svuure for the 2020 Constituency Development Fund (CDF). It is reported that Svuure accused Mada of having no knowledge on how CDF works.

Fredrick Moyo

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) says it is much concerned over the recent cases of politically motivated violence that has resulted in loss of human life as has been reported in the media.
In a statement released on March 3, 2022, ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba said the commission strongly condemns and abhors acts of violence which negatively impact the electoral environment as the country head towards the March 26 by-elections.
“The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is concerned over cases of politically motivated violence recently reported in the media and is especially saddened by resultant loss of life during a rally held in Kwekwe and extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
“The Commission condemns and abhors in the strongest terms such as acts of violence which have the effect of marring and negatively impacting the electoral environment in build up to the by-elections set for the 26th of March 2022,” read part of the statement.
Chigumba went on to say that it is intimidating that such acts of violence are taking place despite the commission’s appeal to political parties to adhere to the code of conduct.
“It is disheartening to note that such acts of violence are taking place notwithstanding the commission’s plea at a recently held Multi-party Liaison Meeting where political parties were advised to adhere to the political parties’ code of conduct,” added the statement.
The commission said it will not stop its calls for tolerance by political parties and stakeholders and urged political parties to deal with office-bearers, members and supporters who contravene the code of conduct.
“The commission would like to reiterate its calls for tolerance by all political parties and election stakeholders and urges all political parties as well as candidates to adhere to the code of conduct and also implored political parties to discipline their office-bearers, members, supporters and candidates who contravene the Code and the laws of the land.
The commission urged those victims of electoral and politically motivated violence to report such cases to the police and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission for investigation and redress as it is everybody’s responsibility to promote an environment conducive to hold free and fair elections.
Recently, police in Gokwe used water cannons, teargas and batons to disperse a gathering of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters and in Kwekwe a CCC supporter was stabbed to death while others were injured when suspected armed ZANU PF activists stormed a rally at Mbizo 4 Shopping Centre.

Staff Reporter

Kwekwe-Five of the 16 suspects arrested in connection with the violent attacks of supporters at the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) by-election rally held on February 27 in Kwekwe were on March 1 remanded in custody to March 15 2022.
The suspects reportedly attacked a number of the CCC supporters with machetes and spears during CCC party leader Nelson Chamisa’s address of the gathering.
The quintet of Edmore Shoshera, Albert Maketo Tembo, Percy Mukwaturi, Talent Imbayago and Panashe Makuvaza initially appeared before magistrate Florence Nago who remanded them in custody to March 15.
The other 11 suspects were discharged as investigations continue.
According to a memo which was released by the police, the attacks were perpetrated by some alleged Zanu PF activists. Circumstances given reveal that the gang stormed the rally armed with spears and machetes before attacking supporters while Chamisa was addressing.
Following a police report, 16 suspects were arrested while alleged ring leader Kennedy Simbi is said to be at large and several machetes were recovered in the cars of the suspects.
Among those arrested were Takunda Chivenyengwa (21), Isaac Tapfumaneyi (37), James Jere (28), Musa Matingwende (32), Shepard Mbewu (44), Progress Munyuki (30, Amon Kwachata (50), Edmore Shoshera [Alias Masparrow] (30), Edmore Shoshera [Alias Masparrow] (30), Albert Maketo Tembo (29), Fraud Munyuki (29), Blessing Tomu (18), Perscy Mukwaturi (38), Sydney Samanyayi (29), Valentine Mandizvidza (21), Mischeck Mutetwa (32) and Talent Imbayago (28).
The suspects were accused of murdering 30-year old Mbizo man Mboneni Ncube who was part of the CCC supporters.
Shoshera, Tembo, Mukwaturi and Shamanyayi have since been identified as Zanu PF card carrying members and police investigations were underway to ascertain the owners of vehicles which were used to ferry them to the venue.
“One of the now deceased, Mboneni Ncube was stabbed thrice with a sharp object on the back and died upon admission at Kwekwe General Hospital,” the memo read.
The party has since confirmed that 22 of its members were admitted at Kwekwe General and Topomasi hospitals.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) in a statement said it noted with grave concern, gross incidents of political violence and the use of state security agents to suppress and violently disrupt opposition political campaigns.
“ZPP is disturbed by the growing incidents and notes with regret the loss of life and about seven citizens who have been seriously injured.
“These incidents have a serious bearing on the credibility of not just this year’s by-elections, but on the entire electoral environment. During the weekend there were various bloody attacks against Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters in the Midlands province,” read the statement.
In his condolence message to the Ncube family, Chamisa said no life was meant to be lost on accounts of political differences.
“No life should be lost on account of political differences. We stand in solidarity with the Ncube family. Mboneni was attacked with a spear. He was just trying to start a life.
“Why? Because of politics, because of impunity, because certain political leaders in Zanu PF are being allowed to turn Kwekwe into a terror zone,” said Chamisa.
He further urged his supporters not to be provoked saying the CCC party had chosen the highway to freedom on a platform of peace.
However, the number of deaths from the attacks has reportedly risen to two after the other victim of the attacks is reported to have died in hospital.