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HRT concerned with constant threats against suburban leadership
Harare Residents Trust (HRT)
March 29, 2010

Zimbabwe's transitional period presents citizens across the political divide to reflect on the past, correct their mistakes, and make the best of the future. The Harare Residents' Trust (HRT) has had a frightening experience at the hands of some identified councillors accused of illegally taking over poor residents' houses in Highfield and Glen Norah.

The said councillors have reportedly now taken the law into their hands and are sending hired thugs to intimidate and threaten members of the HRT in the two suburbs. The residents' leaders have documented service delivery challenges, including acts of alleged corruption by City of Harare officials and councillors in their areas.

The Chairperson of the Highfield Residents' Trust Mr Aleck Rusere reports that the situation is now scary after identified political activists and councillors threatened to beat them up after they exposed the illegal transfer of houses belonging to poor residents.

"The situation in Highfield is bad," he said. "Members are afraid following these threats. We will try our best to mobilise people to openly participate in democratic activities in the interests of residents. It is unfortunate that the city councillors have stooped this low and now resort to old-time repressive tactics that have always been rejected by the electorate."

He said they now seek police protection against further harassment.

In Glen Norah, Mrs Juliet Masiyambiri reports that the councillors implicated in the housing scandal have now resorted to spreading malicious rumours that are aimed at tarnishing her image and the good standing of the organisation in representing residents' issues.

"We have been exposing unlawful acts by councillors and they now want to use their political office to try and silence us," Masiyambiri said. "That is not going to happen! We have the people behind us. We are investigating how council workers at the local District Office were fired at the behest of a councillor. That should not happen because these are policy makers. People must be accountable for their actions."

The HRT urges the police, the MDC-T, the party from which the councillors belong, the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development and his Deputy, and the Mayor of Harare to investigate these serious allegations before we loose a life to intolerant people, who believe they can abuse office and expect to go unpunished. Violence is a signature of failures. Let us engage, and live with our differences amicably.

We denounce violent behaviour by anyone, let alone, elected officials, who came through a democratic electoral process.

The HRT will not relent in its demand for accountability by our elected representatives and the transparent utilisation of public resources. The organisation remains neutral and will not side with any politician against the residents. Justice must prevail. We are encouraged by the principle of equality before the country's laws.

For details and comments please contact the Harare Residents' Trust (HRT) on +263 912 869 294, +263 733 296 806 or email us on hretrust@yahoo.com/ hretrust79@gmail.com

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