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ZANU PF local structures are threatening as well as promising more abuse and torture
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
February 01, 2011

ZANU PF local structures are threatening as well as promising more abuse and torture than that experienced in 2008, particularly to those who fail to conform to its party values and code of conduct.

A mob of ZANU PF youths went on a rampage yesterday attacking a group of MDC youths near Mai Musodzi Hall in Mbare. The ZANU PF youths were flying the party flag, chanting revolutionary songs, while attacking their counterparts with rubbles and stones. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is reported to have intervened, taking the attacked MDC youths to the station. Ironically, it is reported that the police turned against the MDC youths, thus accusing them of inciting public violence. Sources in Mbare said that ZANU PF activists at Carter House had threatened that ZANU PF machinery would destroy flea markets that are said to be occupied by suspected MDC supporters.

In Manicaland Province, local village heads, war veterans and rural district councillors in grassroots areas, are assisting ZANU PF party loyalists to force villagers to sign up for the anti sanction campaign. This has been reported in Chimanimani, Nyanga, Makoni, Buhera, Mutasa and Marange.

Meanwhile. Village heads have been instructed by Army III Brigade located in Mutare, to avert any political meetings that are not ZANU PF organised. Civil society organisations such as ZimRights and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) have been singled out for not being consistent with the ZANU PF ideology. They are said to be influencing and educating the grassroots on the constitution and against the anti-sanctions campaign.

Tension in mounting in Mashonaland and West Province, as seen by 42 year old teacher who has received death threats from ZANU PF youths. They accused him of having a negative influence on the pupils. This was after he allegedly held a discussion with his students on the country's land reform policy citing that it had caused food shortages.

An MDC youth activist Philemon Sibanda who resides in Chitungwiza, was admitted into hospital after being attacked by ZANU PF members after he refused to sign an anti sanctions petition that is reportedly circulating in the town. Yesterday MDC-T issued a statement citing that their Deputy Local Government Secretary Last Maengahama was picked up in the morning by two unidentified men in plain clothes in the Harare City Centre. No one knows of his whereabouts since his alleged abduction yesterday.

"Have we recovered from the trauma of post 2008 harmonised elections?" Who can guarantee Zimbabweans a free and fair election? Is Zimbabwe ready for elections in 2011?"

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