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MDC members threatened with death in Mutasa
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
July 19, 2011

Toni Mupfawa (64) and Jacob Nyamutuma (45) from Mayo village under Headman Chikomba in Mutasa North Constituency have, since 2008 and at different times and stages, been victimised by ZANU PF youths, war veterans, police officers and headmen whose names are known but are being withheld for fear of further persecution.

The duo is threatened with death and has requested for assistance to vacate from the area that has been home to them since their births. They are being harassed because they are believed to be staunch MDC supporters. Further allegations are that they are campaigning for the MDC and have been instrumental in converting a considerable number of ZANU PF supporters to the MDC camp. Now their families are living wretched wandering lives, perching here and there as they try to save their selves.

Testimonies reveal that their predicament dates back to the June 2008 presidential runoff. Evidence in our possession shows that they had been beaten, humiliated, arrested, thrown into custody, tried in courts but never been found guilty of any crime. The trauma they suffer is clear in their narration of the incidents of 2008 when their homes were torched and destroyed. Eight goats slaughtered to feed ZANU PF rogues camped at their camp in the area, whilst another eight were poisoned and died. Toni's wife was raped while his bags, blankets and food were looted.

In spite of the fact that these victims know and have reported them to the headman, the latter has failed to help them at his local court despite the glaring evidence. Indications are also that they reported the case to the police but up to now, no action has been taken. The perpetrators move scot-free and are using the victim's property which they looted.

ZimRights is disturbed by the increasing and continued politically related intimidation and suffering of innocent people especially in rural areas. We urge ordinary Zimbabweans to refrain from the use of all forms of violence and political intolerance. We also demand that the major political parties in the country embark on a national civic education campaign in which the central message is that of peace and co-existence amongst their supporters.

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