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Chivasa homestead members attacked
Zimbabwe Youth Forum
June 16, 2008

Bikita
Five members of the Chivasa homestead in Makotore village in Bikita were severely assaulted by Zanu PF militia led by war veterans. The five were assaulted in the evening of Saturday the 14th of June as they were preparing to have their supper. The attackers who numbered about 37 arrived at the homestead before ordering all the occupants of the house to come outside on the pretext that they wanted to have a meeting with the family members. When the occupants refused to come out, the attackers threatened to burn the occupants inside before they eventually broke the door using an axe. It was then that the assaults started, with an assortment of weapons being used including logs, shamboks and whips. Among those who were assaulted included 60 year-old Teverai Chivasa, an aunt to Madock Chivasa. Madock Chivasa is the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) national spokesperson as well as the Youth Forum board chairperson.

This is the second time that the homestead has been attacked in the violence that erupted after the March 29 elections. The same group of attackers had earlier in April burned down two huts at the homestead as punishment after accusing the family members of aiding the winning house of assembly candidate for Bikita West Heya Shoko who represented the MDC. On hearing of the latest attacks, Madock vowed that all those who are committing acts of violence against innocent people in Bikita would not go unpunished, as justice will catch up with them.

The Youth Forum views with utter contempt the continued attacks on the homestead of the vibrant former student leader. The attacks are a clearly coordinated move meant to cow opposition supporters and sympathizers ahead of the presidential run-off election which Zanu PF are hoping to win on the back of violent reprisals on the people. To date, more than fifty people have died, while thousands more have been injured, maimed or displaced in the state sponsored violence unleashed on civilians in an operation code-named 'Mavhotera papi' (who did you vote for). The Youth Forum further urges the people of Bikita and all Zimbabweans to remain resilient in the face of such trying times. The darkest hour is indeed before dawn and the hour for Zanu PF to relinquish power is definitely coming. The Youth Forum also reminds those perpetrating violence that they too shall be judged accordingly for all the untold suffering they have caused to the people of Zimbabwe.

To give solidarity to Madock Chivasa, he can be contacted on the following numbers:+263912904492, +26323854737

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