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Post-election violence continues
Zimbabwe Peace Project
May 16, 2008

This is an update on the continuing acts of violence that seems to be strengthening. The runoff which is due in six weeks time following the announcement of June 27 by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission could see cases of violence increasing.

Mashonaland East

Marondera Constituency

Dombotombo surburb
12 houses were burnt on the 14th of May 2008 in Dombotombo surburb in Marondera at around 4pm. It is alleged that ZANU-PF supporters burnt five houses belonging to MDC members including the house of the MDC Councillor-elect, Caleb Marange. In the evening of the same day, MDC supporters retaliated and burnt seven houses belonging to ZANU-PF members.

Midlands

Shurugwi South Constituency

Tongogara Rural Council
Clemence Shereni Dube is reported to have been murdered for being an MDC member, in ward 12.Dube is reported to have died at the hands of ZANU-PF supporters and war vets; Jerry Magwegwe the ZANU-PF co-odinator in Shurugwi South ward 12 Chimedza , Gunpowder and Freedom. The perpetrators were in court on May 14 and while Magwegwe was remanded on $7billion bail the others were released.

Gokwe Chireya
On 8th May 2008 nine members of the MDC in Chirisa village, had their homes set on fire by over one hundred ZANUPF supporters reportedly led by Chief Admire Mudzivadondo. On May 12, MDC youths grouped and attacked Chidoma torture base, where food stuffs and blankets went up in smoke. The leader of the ZANUPF group, is alleged to have been assaulted and had to be treated at Gokwe District Hospital. The incident was reported to the police who arrested Shadreck Kana, Chirisa, Stanford Chibhoro, Machokoto and kraalhead Magwiro all MDC supporters.

Gokwe Kana
A shop belonging to MDC-T candidate, Mr. Partners, was burnt down at around 11pm on 14 May. Although the shop was completely destroyed his surgery was spared.

Zvishavane
Headmasters from Rupange, Zvamabwiro amd Mabika primary schools are reported to have fled after allegedly being assaulted on 15 May. The schools are reported to have been closed. Earlier in the week the perpetrators are alleged to have assaulted the teachers most of whom fled to Zvishavane town.

Gutu Central

Munangagwa Village
It is reported that ZANU-PF supporters are patrolling in fours in Munangagwa village. They are intimidating people and threatening those who dare not vote for it with eviction from the area. One victim of such violence is a ZPP monitor who also observed the elections. The victim was approached on May 15 by four known ZANU PF members who wanted to know why was involved with ZESN. The has been arraigned before the kraal head several times since the first meeting with ZANU PF supporters.

Manicaland

Chipinge East
Langton Chimbirimbiri of Mandere village ward 13 is reported to have been murdered in a case of politically motivated violence. It is alleged that Chimbirimbiri of the MDC died as a result of injuries sustained in repeated assaults by ZANUPF supporters. The perpetrators are alleged to have first assaulted the deceased on May 12 and repeated the same the next day and he is reported to have died on May 15. The violence is reported to have been perpetrated by a group led by headman Chiwero. The community in the constituency is reported to be losing livestock which is being taken to base camps to feed perpetrators. Caleb Ndloko also from Mandere village lost 5 goats and fifteen chickens to the Maround base camp. Fifty families are reported to have been displaced in Chipinge East and out of these families sixty four children are affected.

The Zimbabwe Peace Project is concerned about the deteriorating situation as harassment, intimidation and in some cases the detention of employees of NGOs has been stepped up by ZANU PF supporters manning self styled roadblocks. This is interference with organizations that are trying to assess the situation on the ground with the aim of assisting those affected by the violence. ZPP also notes an increase in politically motivated murders in the past week. A student activist Beta died in the same manner in Murewa close to Juru growth point on May 15.

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