By Itai Muzondo
Gutu East Member of Parliament (MP), Berita Chikwama tried to disrupt a rally held by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) at Chin’ai Business Centre in Gutu on Saturday, Tell Zimbabwe was informed.
MDC – T provincial chairperson, James Gumbi said it was shocking and pathetic to learn that ZANU PF continuously take such unethical actions to frustrate his party supporters.
Gumbi said Chikwama together with youths known as Mathias Masasire, Ephraim Mudodo and Isaac Mutekwa used tree branches and stones to block the road leading to Chin’ai business centre where MDC-T was having a meeting.
The Zanu PF youths had placards written “Gutu East is a no go area for MDC – T”.
“It is quite shocking how ZANU PF does such unethical acts. The desperate M.P even spent the whole day carrying out surveillance at the venue of the rally instilling fear and intimidating villagers not to attend the rally,” Gumbi added.
MDC-T supporters removing tree branches put to block the road
An MDC activist, Lloyd Mufudze ,however said that Gutu residents have a right to participate in peaceful political activities called by political parties of their choice without fear.
“Such actions that seek to violate the citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms deserve condemnation from peace loving and progressive individuals and organisation,” said Mufudze.
He also applauded the residents who attended the rally for remaining calm and peaceful.
Part of MDC-T supporters who were brave enough to attend the rally despite threats from Zanu PF last Saturday
“I do applaud the residents who attended the rally as they reminded calm and peaceful,” said Mufudze.
Efforts to get comment from Chikwama were fruitless as she was not answering her mobile phone on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Section 67 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees that, “Every Zimbabwean citizen has the right to free, fair and regular elections for any elective public office established in terms of this Constitution or any other law; and to make political choices freely.
“Subject to this Constitution, every Zimbabwean citizen has the right to form, to join and to participate in the activities of a political party or organisation of their choice; to campaign freely and peacefully for a political party or cause; to participate in peaceful political activity,” reads the Zimbabwean Constitution.politics
