THE BULAWAYO AGENDA BLOG

THE DAILY AGENDA

22 May 2008

GWERU
Obert Masaraure, a student from Midlands State University who had participated in a two-man demo in Gweru early this year together with Onwel Marasha, were abducted by war vets while attending Onwel’s mother’s funeral in Zaka on Wednesday.

LUPANE
War veterans have failed to set up a base in Jotsholo fearing that attacking their neighbours might cause strains in their relationship after the run-off. However, some bases have been dismantled in areas such as Mpofu, Ngwende and Dandanda because the community was not cooperating with Zanu PF. As a result, war vets have resorted to holding secret meetings to re-strategise. They have been observed leaving the Zanu PF provincial offices every morning to an unknown destination.

MASHONALAND
The bodies of MDC activists, Godfrey Kawuzane, Cain Nyezi and Betha Sekurinyazamba were found dumped in three different places in Goromonzi and Murewa last week. The three were last seen travelling to Murewa when the vehicle they were travelling in was blocked by two Twin-cabs and abducted. Betha’s body was later discovered last Sunday while the other two bodies were found in Marowa and Goromonzi on Tuesday by villagers. The bodies of the three were in a serious state of decomposition. Their eyes had been plucked out, and ears and tongues cut off.

Another MDC activist, Tonderai Mbira was abducted from his home last week and went missing until yesterday 21 May 2008 when his family was asked to go and identify his body at Pararenyatwa Hospital. His body had decomposed as well.

21 May 2008

GOKWE SOUTH
Alleged war veterans travelling in a cream Mitsibushi without number plates visited Mwambane Village under Chief Mukoka and forced residents to attend a meeting where they were told that they would be taught how to vote, that is, voting for Zanu PF in the presidential run-off. The residents the team were asked to repent and then denounce Morgan Tsvangirai. They were also told to hand over any MDCT-Shirts and membership cards. They threatened to banish anyone who left the area saying that they might as well to join their white colonial masters in Britain.

MDC activists Mr Raphael Mahlangu and Mrs Jairos Mahlangu have since fled from the village leaving their children with a neighbour. The neighbour was later threatened by war vets who warned that that his home would be burnt down for providing refuge the Mahlangu’s children. Earlier, Chief Mukoka, in the company of war vets, CIO agents called a meeting at Msala Clinic and told villagers that a list of over 800 MDC activists had been compiled and that these would be dealt with.

Zanu PF activists brutally assaulted Tinos Mutangi, the Ward 27 MDC campaign team chairman, and fellow activists. This was after they had told police that they had slept in the bush for four days hiding from people who were looking for them. The police had told them that they had no transport to enable them to attend to the case. They were ambushed as they left the police posts.

MATOBO
It has been reported that bases in some areas of Matobo, in have been dismantled Matobo, about 200 m away from the villages, has phased down its operations. The number of threats have decreased following a warning given to war vets by residents that they would retaliate to any violence from them.

NKAYI SOUTH
Manoma Village, under Chief Mandiiwa

A base has been set up by war vets, Zanu PF activists including Van Moyo, the loosing Zanu PF council candidate and a Makhayi Ndlovu. On the night of 11 May, Zanu PF youths then visited Danisa Tshuma’s home. On finding that he was not home, they left a letter with his wife inviting him to Nkayi Police station. Danisa reported to the police the following day and found Nowman Ndlovu, the MDC vice secretary for ward 28 who had received a similar letter. The police at the station then advised the two to flee since they were aware of plans to beat them up. State security operatives driving a cream Mitsubishi truck with no number plates have been going from door to door intimidating known MDC activists.

20 MAY 2008

GOKWE
Fainos Mazhandu and his wife Alice had their home burnt down in Ward 2 E Nembudziya, Gokwe. The two were ferried by scotch carts to Mutora Clinic as they are seriously tortured and cannot work.

PLUMTREE
Benedict Ndlovu, the MDC Madabe Ward 3 councillor has reported that war veterans in the Mangwe Constituency have threatened to kill MDC officials on their list. Among those targeted are Japhat Sibanda, Daniel Sibanda, Thusa Ngwenya and others who have fled the area. Councillor Ndlovu is planning to visit refugee camps in Bostwana to look for them there.

War veterans have been going door to door in Plumtree imploring residents to attend Zanu Pf meetings in the border town. People who do not turn up are being threatened with unspecified action.

CHAKARI MASH WEST
Two women from Danly Down Mine in Chakari, Mashonaland West fled to Bulawayo yesterday after living in the bush 10km from the mine with fifty other victims of political violence. Portia (16) and Esnat Lytonjose (42) escaped an attack from over forty Zanu PF thugs and pseudo war veterans and youth militia who were conducting what they termed an operation to flush out sell outs.

“They were carrying sticks, knives and stones and they were chanting and singing a song that went “Zanu PF shumba yemaCHINJA (Zanu PF are lions to the MDC)” said Portia.  

Portia and Esnat said they had not eaten or slept for more than four days. They left with no money or food leaving the rest hiding in the bush hiding and up to now they do not know what could have happened to them. 

It all began when Zanu PF thugs slipped a note under 16 year old Portia’s home warning her that they (ZANU PF) would be visiting their home along with other suspected MDC supporters. She is a youth activist of the MDC.

Political violence at Dalny Down Mine began on the 4th May 2008 when Mascow Chakarapasi the MDC winning Member of Parliament in Mashonaland East was assaulted by thugs. It was alleged that the Zanu PF thugs were sent by Zanu PF Councillor Gladys Mulambulila who personally escorted Zanu PF thugs and war veterans to point out the homes of those that belonged to the MDC.

19 MAY 2008

Mat South in tense lead up to runoff

The post March 29 election period has been tense and characterized by intimidation, destruction of property and loss of life and limb. This was revealed at a meeting organized by Gwanda Agenda last Friday in the highly contested Matabeleland South province. There has been mobilization of Zanu PF youth militia, pseudo - war veterans and the state security camped in most of the wards in the province and are responsible for acts of political violence in what seems to be a well orchestrated campaign.
 

The meeting was part of consultations being undertaken by a team from Bulawayo Agenda led by Executive Director, Gorden Moyo, who are visiting areas affected by political violence ahead of the Presidential runoff that will pit MDC candidate Morgan Tsvangirai and Zanu PF’s Robert Mugabe. The runoff, according the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, will be held on 27 June since, according to them, there was no outright winner in the first round.

One of the participants in the discussions said that the province was in a state of trauma with camps or so-called bases having being been set up at every school that was a polling station during the March 29 poll. This was interpreted as a form of intimidation on villagers cautioning to vote properly, that is, for Zanu Pf this time round. In addition to this, locals are being trained by war veterans on methods of torture and this had created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust where villager had turned against villager. This was a recipe for civil war, she said.

Threats of death on those who voted for the opposition have become common with perpetrators of the violence claiming that they were doing so under instructions. Among those who were being targeted were MDC party members, polling agents, teachers, and Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network (ZESN) observers during the last election.
 

The informant  said that some of those people running  the camps were also victims, too scared to leave because anyone who refused to be part of those in the so called ‘bases’ was labelled a sell-out. Some camps were located alongside police posts, yet these offered no protection for the victims.

A shocking discovery was that that some people in Esigodini, Matshetsheni and Enyandeni had each been supplied with 5 litres of fuel toburn the homes of the opposition and cyanide to poison them after the runoff. Such crude methods of intimidation are indeed disturbing.

In areas such as West Nicholson, south of Gwanda, a torture camp that had been set up at the old Liebigs plant had been dismantled after people in the area were severely beaten up by thugs based at the base. Police had earlier expressed ignorance of the camp until they were challenged with compelling evidence about the goings on at the base.

At Insiza, 4 homesteads that belonged to MDC and Zanu PF supporters were burnt down, those of the former being torched in retribution. In another instance, a headman told an informant that they were asked by war veterans why they allowed people under them to vote wrongly when it was President Mugabe who paid their salaries.
 

According to the civil society organisation CIVNET, people were being singled out and mentioned by name and then threatened with death forcing them to flee the area. This was the case in Mtshede where a meeting was called at the school with the intention of flogging the teachers in front of villagers. Fortunately, they caught wind of the plot and fled to Gwanda and Esigodini.

In the Silozwi area, those who were going round threatening members of the community were mainly from the surrounding resettlement areas.
 

At Nathisa, threats were mainly against those who are said not have voted correctly with war vets going round forcing villagers to pay fines or supply them with maize as extortion. This also points to the fact that whoever is behind the setting up of the camps are unable to sustain them in terms of food and other logistical supplies.

It was revealed that a lot of the perpetrators of political violence usually carried out their attacks under cover of darkness indicating that they wanted to hide their identities. It would seem that they are themselves scared to be singled out which means that f people were to have the courage to confront them; they would yield as has happened in other areas.

In the Manama area, a secondary school headmaster called his senior pupils together and asked them how they would feel if their teachers were assaulted in front of them, a popular tactic of humiliating them by war veterans and youth militia. They responded by arming themselves with stones and clubs to defend their teachers against the thugs.

However, it was noted that there were police officers and other members of the security apparatus who were professional in the way they discharged their duties and had risen above being partisan when dealing with cases of political violence.
 

Despite the threats and intimidation, people were looking forward to the runoff. They were appalled at attempts to beat them into submission and thus relished the opportunity for them to be heard this time around. What is required are guarantees that would create an atmosphere that is conducive for everyone to vote freely without fear of retribution.

Contact:

Bulawayo Agenda
E-mails: byoagenda@hotmail.com; byagenda@mweb.co.zw
Blog: www.bulawayo_agenda.blog.com
Phone/Fax: +263-9-888211

BULAWAYO
The MDC- T rally pencilled for White City stadium on Sunday 18 May at 9am is on as scheduled. A cloud of uncertainty has been hanging over the rally after police had denied the MDC clearance to hold the rally. However the High Court in Bulawayo assented to the appeal by the MDC through their lawyer Job Sibanda.

The Chronicle newspaper has refused to carry adverts for Public Meetings to be held on Saturday organised by Gwanda Agenda and Gweru Agenda respectively. No plausible reason was given for the refusal to publish though it suspected that pressure was put to bear on political grounds.

A group of twelve men from Gweru including 6 six teachers fled to Bulawayo yesterday after being threatened by ZANU PF thugs. The twelve who include 6 teachers have sought refuge from the churches in Bulawayo. The overwhelming turnout by the victims had led to the churches facing challenges in as far as acquiring warm clothes, food and accommodation for the victims is concerned.  Doctors for Human Rights are having a look at the children and women who need medical attention.

GWANDA
Gwanda Agenda will be holding a public meeting tomorrow at Gwanda Hotel at 1400hrs. The topic is “Run-off or Negotiation – Is the current environment conducive for a credible run-off?” Panelists are Bheki Sibanda, Lorraine Sibanda and TZ Mnkandla.
 

BINDURA
Eight Families from Chipadze and some from Chiwaridzo have fled 5km from their homes into the bush  were they have been sleeping for the past three days  after receiving threats  from Zanu Pf aligned War Veterans. These families survive by sending individuals to get supplies of food for them..  War vets have been doing door to door visits and are  claiming to be  preparing residents for a  runoff where residents are being ‘encouraged’ to vote wisely. Amongst the affected are one man who has been going to work from the bush and children who have not been going to school.
   

GOKWE
A shop belonging to the business partner of Gokwe-Kana MDC T   candidate   was torched last night. The shop was torched beyond recognition.
    
NKAYI
In Nkayi South Chief Sikhobokhobo is reportedly causing as he is forcing villagers to denounce the MDC in meetings that are held every day in that area. The Chief is being assisted by the War Veterans aligned to Zanu Pf and the youths to whip villagers into voting for Zanu Pf in the Presidential runoff. Villagers have however remained defiant even in the face of such intimidation.  
  
MBERENGWA
Two MDC polling agents in the harmonised election have fled their homes after continuous threats by Zanu Pf youths and War Veterans aligned to the party.  The two ran away after being told to publicly denounce the MDC.
                  

Contact:

Bulawayo Agenda
Email: byagenda@mweb.co.zw byagenda@hotmail.com
Blog: www.bulawayo_blog.blog.com
Web: www.agenda.org.zw
Phone: +263-(0)9-88211

GOKWE
A shop belonging to the Gokwe Kana MDC Tsvangirai candidate’s business partner was torched by War veterans on Wednesday night (14 May) at Gokwe Centre. The shop was totally destroyed and the value of the damage is yet to be established. A surgery belonging to the candidate that is located next to the shop was slightly damaged

MBERENGWA
Rupange, Mabika and Cheshange Schools in Ward 11 Mapiravana are deserted after teachers were assaulted by war veterans yesterday. Some of the victims have arrived in Gweru this morning after fleeing the political violence.

PLUMTREE
CID Plumtree officers visited the Plumtree Agenda office yesterday where they asked the Programmes Officer to furnish them with action plans or programmes of the chapter. When confronted as to why they wanted this information the officers claimed that it was part of their monthly routine.

GWANDA
Garfield Makwati, the son of the late Glory Makwati, won the MDC primary election to stand as candidate in the Gwanda South by- election. The Gwanda South seat is one of three that were postponed during the March 29 Harmonised Elections after some of the candidates died before the poll. ZEC is yet to release the dates of the by-election.

INSIZA
Heavily armed police have been spotted at Bhinisi  around Mjojana. The local community is living in fear at the presence. They have set up a roadblock in the area where they are stopping and searching vehicles.

Contact:
 
Bulawayo Agenda
Email: byagenda@mweb.co.zw byagenda@hotmail.com
Blog: www.bulawayo_blog.blog.com
Web: www.agenda.org.zw

GWANDA
All police officers and their families should vote for Robert Mugabe in the election for the Presidency since Tsvangirai was sure to sack them when he got into office. This was said at a meeting in Gwanda recently where Senior Assistant Commissioner Muderedzwa, the officer commanding Matabeleland South Province was addressing senior officers. The audience included Officers Comanding Gwanda, Beitbridge and Bulilima-Mangwe Districts, all superintendents in the province, officers in charge of stations, sections and their deputies.
 

During the packed meeting which the informant termed a ‘rally’, Muderedzwa, a war veteran, read extensively from the so-called Biti document which has already been proven to be false. In the document, it is claimed, when MDC took over, all senior officers would be fired from the force. It was therefore incumbent on them and their families to vote for Mugabe in order to keep their jobs. He revealed that this time around all police details would vote through the postal ballot system and would cast their vote in front Assistant Commissioner Mlilo and Chief Superintendant Ndlovu (CID) to make sure they voted correctly.
 

A team comprising Superintendants Sigauke from Plumtree and Abraham from transport would go round stations ‘educating’ people how and where to vote. A similar exercise headed by Sup Mukombero would cover police officers’ wives as well. It is reported that the mood among police officers is that of defiance, with some saying that they would not be intimidated by the move to force them to vote for a particular candidate. They said that they would vote whoever they chose even if it was in front of their superiors. Mureredzwa was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner s Benge and Mlilo, both war veterans

MANAMA
A man who was assaulted by Zanu PF youths at Manama is admitted at Gwanda Hospital with serious head injuries.

GOKWE
Police and locals in Gokwe clashed on Monday 11 May after an attack by the police. The locals retaliated and later burnt down a Zanu PF base in the area. Police reinforcements from Gweru were deployed to Gokwe on Tuesday to help calm the situation. Locals have vowed that they will longer continue to be victims and are prepared to fight back

ZVISHAVANE
A family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children) whose home was burnt down in Chipinge on Thursday are in hiding in Maglas Township, Shabani Mine. They have a sick baby.

Nkosinathi Mangena, a ZIMCET Peace educator in Zvishavane was taken in by CIOs and interrogated for 8 hours on last Friday. They wanted to know about the activities of Zimcet, Crisis in Zimbabwe and ZESN. He now fears for his life.

Contact:

Bulawayo Agenda
Email: byagenda@mweb.co.zw byagenda@hotmail.com
Blog: www.bulawayo_blog.blog.com
Web: www.agenda.org.zw

BULAWAYO
There was drama this morning at TM supermarket, Fife Street as till operators were forced to vacate their work stations to join a huge crowd of shoppers who were queuing for sugar outside the supermarket. Distribution of sugar was supervised by suspected war veterans. These war veterans demanded that shoppers produce proof of residence before they could be allowed to purchase the scarce commodity. Not surprisingly, the only shoppers who managed to get sugar were police officers and their spouses.

BINGA
ZANU PF militia and CIOs are said to have left Hwange this morning to back up their colleagues in Binga who were last week chased away from Binga by a group of organised villagers. This group of militia had been originally sent to Binga to root out and deal with any opposition supporters.  The youth militia and CIOs from Hwange have been sent to discipline those Binga villagers who were involved in last week’s clashes.

GOKWE
Police and locals in Gokwe clashed yesterday after members of the police force beat up some members of the public. The locals retaliated by burning down a ZANU PF base which had been set up in the area. Meanwhile, police from Gweru were deployed this morning to assist their colleagues in Gokwe.  The situation is tense in Gokwe as residents have said that they shall fight any form of intimidation and violence to  protect themselves.

LUPANE
Lupane Agenda organised a consultative meeting on Sunday. The meeting was addressed by Bulawayo Agenda Executive Director, Gorden Moyo. Mr. Moyo later visited victims of violence in the Shabulana area. The meeting was attended by over 200 villagers. As a result of the meeting, ZANU PF officials, together with CIO officers in Lupane are reported to be planning a raid of the Lupane Agenda offices to look for the organisation’s membership register, t-shirts and Freeplay radios.
 
MATOBO
War veterans went on a rampage over the weekend in Silozwe ward, Matobo, confiscating Freeplay radios from members of Matobo Agenda and MDC-Tsvangirai. They accused the villagers of listening to anti-government propaganda. Six of the radios were confiscated from Matobo Agenda committee members. The war vets, who have camped in Silozwe, threatened the members with unspecified action for distributing radios to the community. Meanwhile, the Silozwe MDC-Tsvangirai ward councillor, Ethel Nyamkuta, is in hiding as she fears that her life is in danger.

MBERENGWA
Seven people, (two teachers and five locals), were yesterday severely beaten up with iron bars at Chief Bvute area in Mberengwa North. The seven were accused of being MDC supporters. They have since received medical attention at a local hospital.

NKAYI
There are reports of increased political violence in Nkayi. Cleopas Zololo, an activist, and his father, both from Gonye village which is 18km from Nkayi Business Centre, have been seriously assaulted by war vets and ZANU PF militia. Cleopas was stabbed in the chest while his father has a broken arm. The two have since been admitted to hospital in Nkayi.

PLUMTREE
Information has been received that ZANU PF officials   are after Plumtree Agenda Chairperson Edwin Ncube. He is being accused of having helped the MDC win in the March 29 election. He is also being accused of campaigning for Morgan Tsvangirai in the run-off Presidential election. A sympathetic police officer advised Edwin to be careful in his movements as there were plans to abduct him.

VICTORIA FALLS
CIO officers ,war veterans and soldiers yesterday visited the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) in Victoria Falls at 9am and asked to address the employees. The director of ZINWA who happens to be a war veteran, refused and told them to seek clearance from ZINWA head office in Bulawayo. After a brief altercation at the ZINWA offices, the group then proceeded to Busy Island, a curio market, where they addressed vendors and shoppers. They told the vendors that they were not making any consultations but wanted to tell them that the people of Victoria Falls had not voted properly on March 29.  They further threatened that if people voted for Morgan Tsvangirai in the run-off, there would be bloodshed in the country.

Contact:
 
Bulawayo Agenda
Email: byagenda@mweb.co.zw byagenda@hotmail.com
Blog: www.bulawayo_blog.blog.com
Web: www.agenda.org.zw

A team from Bulawayo Agenda led by Executive Director Godern Moyo, visited its regional offices in Victoria Falls, Hwange and Lupane to meet with the respective communities, leaders civic society leaders and operatives. The subject of the tour was to hold consultations following the March 29 harmonised polls and the impending presidential run-off. The aim was to assess the political terrain and also to obtain views from the residents of each respective area how the prevailing environment was impacting on their day to day lives. In Lupane, the steam had an opportunity to talk to victims of the current violent campaign being meted on citizens by war veterans and youth militia. The tour ended with a public meeting at attended by over 200 people.

VICTORIA FALLS AND HWANGE

• Members of the audiences at the meetings said that the flow of information to them was not very smooth and they would appreciate a situation whereby civic society maintained constant communication with the people at grassroots as there is a definite information black-out, especially in small towns and rural areas.  It came out in the contributions from the participants that the people could no longer depend on political parties for reliable information.
• Members of the public confirmed that military bases have been set up in Makwa and Mashala, (Hwange) and in Monde, Jambezi, Chief Shana area, Chibondo, Chikandakubi, Chidobe and Chisumba, (Victoria Falls).  War veterans and youths have been threatening residents with death should the opposition emerge the winner in the run-off.  Some individuals, purportedly war veterans, have been going around the towns compiling lists of names of members in each household. No indication has been given as to what the lists will be used for.
• The towns of Hwange and Victoria Falls are both run by local councils. Because of the delay that has been taken in swearing in councillors, local service delivery has been affected. In the meetings held, it was clear that the political impasse was impacting negatively on service delivery and the day to day functions of local authorities. Since March 29, elected councillors have not yet been officially recognised. This means that councillors are unable to perform their duties. The challenge with such a situation is that residents feel that local authority activities should continue as usual and are expecting the councillors to attend to them. The local authority employees are also equally disoriented as all programmes have halted and they have no idea who should be giving them direction so that work continues as usual.
• The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has lost credibility with ordinary citizens because of its failure to announce results on time and no for failure to set a definite date for the run-off.
• While strides have been made in the larger towns and cities to provide relief for victims of political violence, the voters in the smaller towns fell they are easy targets as they do not know who to approach should anything happen to them.
• Residents of Victoria Falls who depend heavily on the tourism sector to make a living are failing to make ends meet as the industry has been greatly affected by the uncertain political environment. One of the largest hotels in the town confirmed that most hotels were operating at below 10% of their normal capacity.
• Organisations providing food aid to the surrounding rural communities had been stopped from going out into the villages after being accused of being fronts for the opposition MDC or civic society that was pushing for regime change.
• On the whole, the people of Hwange and Victoria Falls were prepared to go and vote again in the run-off and no matter how badly they were beaten, they would not shift their votes to ZANU PF.

LUPANE

Members of the public who attended the public meeting in Lupane on Sunday were resolute in their condemnation of the actions of ZANU PF. They said that their lives were deteriorating by the day and that ZANU PF was not doing anything to change this. The people of Lupane said that for this reason, they would work very hard to see that the reign of this party comes to an end. The district of Lupane has the background of the early eighties atrocities and the surge of terror that the ruling party has undertaken will not change the minds of the people of Lupane on which president to vote for. Members of the audience stated that although the opposition vote had been divided in the March 29 elections, this time they would make sure that they all rallied behind one candidate.

• The people of Lupane are deeply concerned about the credibility of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and feel that the run-off election should be heavily supervised by independent international observers if the results are going to be acceptable. It also seemed that ZEC was acting on behalf of ZANU PF in deliberately not giving out information to the electorate.
• The traditional leadership in Lupane was greatly criticised for its involvement and alignment with the ruling party. The people felt that while traditional leaders were entitled to supporting political parties of their choice and exercising their right to vote as citizens of this country, their participation in political party campaigns should be strongly condemned.
• The people in Lupane are greatly concerned by the effect that the unstable political situation has had on the education of their children. Zenzele Secondary, Makhovula Primary, Ndamuleni Primary, Sibombo Primary, Ekuphakemi Secondary and Mzola 55 Primary schools  in Lupane had not opened because either no teachers at all on opening day or because less than five teachers had turned up. The reason given for the teachers’ absence was that they felt that their lives were in danger after they had been accused of not having performed their duties well as polling officers in the March 2008 elections.
• Members of the audience also raised concerns over the displacement of their friends and family members who were voters. They said these voters would not be able to vote in the run-off as they were hiding in constituencies where they could not vote. Members of the public were concerned that this would affect the outcome of the run-off presidential election. Another challenge that the audience raised was the placement of polling officers, mostly teachers in constituencies far away to reduce their chances of casting their votes.
• The use of food as a campaign tool would not buy ZANU PF any votes. Granted, the people of Lupane were facing hunger but they shall not vote for a party that remembers to give them food when it wants to be elected into power.

Another issue that was brought up in the meetings was that traditional leaders have become deeply embroiled in partisan politics. In Lupane, villagers strongly condemned the involvement of their leaders in political party campaigns and felt that the leaders could no longer execute their duties effectively if they openly in support of any political party.
Villagers also stated that they felt the traditional leaders could have prevented the setting up of military and youth militia bases in the rural areas if they stamped their authority and prohibited any such settlements. One of the roles of traditional leaders is to deny or approve the settlement in their respective communities of any new people.

The team is due to visit Gwanda, Matopo and Gweru on a similar mission to consult the local communities and get a feel of the situation on the ground. The success of the tour was indicated by the enthusiasm with which the team was received and the change in the residents from that of fear to that of being resolute and confident in their approach to the issues at hand. 

Contact:

Bulawayo Agenda
E-mails: byoagenda@hotmail.com; byagenda@mweb.co.zw
Blog: www.bulawayo_agenda.blog.com
Phone/Fax: +263-(0)9-888211

HWANGE
A white Roman Catholic priest was attacked in Makwa, 45km from Hwange by war veterans on Wednesday 7 May, accusing him of being one of those intending to take the land back and an MDC sympathiser. He has sought refuge in Hwange.

The Zanu PF aligned war veterans from Hwange are reported to have gone to Binga on Monday 5 May, with the intention of harassing the community because they voted for the MDC. They met their match when the community resisted, chasing then away armed with axes and logs.

GUTU WEST
Energy Karanjisi aged 22 and four of his friends, temporary teachers at Chiguhune Secondary School, were beaten up by a gang comprising of war veterans and youths led by a Thomas Chamisa from the Manyuchi family. They claim that teachers were responsible for rigging the election in favour of the MDC. Property worth billions was set alight with presiding and election officers and other teachers fleeing the area. Energy has fled to Gweru and the whereabouts of his colleagues is unknown.       
 
LUPANE
A man from Mpahlwa village has fled his home following threats Zanu PF thugs who have said they want to eliminate him because he was one of those campaigning against Mugabe. He has taken refuge with relatives at another village.

GWANDA
Education Officers have visited schools in the Gwanda area threatening teachers who intend going on strike citing poor remuneration and working conditions.

Contact:

Bulawayo Agenda
E-mails: byoagenda@hotmail.com; byagenda@mweb.co.zw
Blog: www.bulawayo_agenda.blog.com
Phone/Fax: +263-(0)9-888211

Political violence which for most of the last month has not been experienced in the opposition stronghold of the Matabeleland province has now started to rear its ugly head. Lupane seems to lead the stakes when it comes to the number of reported beatings, threats and the burning of houses.

Lupane – Two homesteads belonging to the local MDC Tsvangirai ward and youth chairmen were torched at Sibombo by suspected war veterans on Sunday. The incident occured at around 2am and the houses were completely destroyed. At the ward chairman’s home, the assailants wanted to burn down the main house in which his family was sleeping but it failed to ignite since it was not thatched. The dwelling they eventually burnt down had property worth billions of Zimbabwe dollars belonging to the MDC chairman’s children who are based in South Africa. 
 

Plumtree – A base set up in the border town is now operational with the war veterans and militias reported to be going from door to door telling residents that they should vote for the Zanu PF candidate, Robert Mugabe. They are saying that voting for Morgan Tsvangirai would lead to bloodshed.
 

Gweru – Gweru Agenda officers summoned by state security operatives were interrogated about the activities of the organisation. This has been interpreted to be a form of harrassment and confirms reports that civic organisations in the Midlands town are under surveillance.

Mberengwa - A woman from  Chief Kashombe’s area has fled to Gweru after her husband was severely assaulted and had his leg was dislocated by war veterans who claimed they were teaching them to ‘vote wisely.’

Victoria Falls – The situation is very tense in the border town with Zambia after clashes were reported between traders from both countries and their respective security forces. This follows the raiding of flea markets belonging to Zambian traders in Vic Falls a fortnight ago. Since then, Zambians have been physically preventing Zimbabweans from entering their country. This has sucked in the armies and police of both countries who are reported to be deporting nationals to their respective countries.

West Nicholson – War veterans and militias who were reported to have been assaulting villagers from last week have been arrested. People sympathizing with the MDC were being targeted. 

Centenary (Mashonaland Central) - Ten people are reported to have been beaten to death in Chawarura area. There are also reports that army tanks have been spotted in the Centenary district. More details expected.

Reports are being received about soldiers, the police, war veterans and Zanu PF militia deployed to various parts of rural Matabeleland. They are setting up camp in what people believe is the precursor to a systematic and well coordinated violent election campaign ahead the run-off in Zimbabwe’s Presidential poll rumored to be at the of May.
 
Soldiers and war vets are being paid Z$1 billion dollars a day for being part of Operation Mavhoterepi.

War Veteran’s pensions were increased from Z$3 billion to Z$9 billion as motivation for the campaign for Mugabe. The average civil servant earns Z$3 Billion.

Bulawayo – The distribution of maize meal in Bulawayo is now under the control of the Governor’s office and war veterans. Only National Foods is milling the staple food while war veterans and Zanu Pf officials and sympathizers are responsible for distribution. Dr Sikhanyiso Duke Ndlovu and Tryphine Nhliziyo, both Zanu PF candidates are distributing maize meal in Entumbabe and Mpopoma respectively.

In Nkulumane, the infamous ‘White House’ a war veterans’ haunt is where the exercise is taken place. Those who qualify have to produce their Identity Documents a move that is feared would be abused by Zanu Pf to force them to vote their way during the run-off.
 

Shurugwi – Nigel Dube, a chairman of the MDC youth was beaten to death last Saturday by war veterans. His was buried on Tuesday.

Lupane – A camp comprising 68 people, mainly war veterans and militia has been set up at Makhovula (Ward 18). An army camp has also been set up at Ndlovu Secondary School in Ward 15. Teachers have fled the area leaving only the headmaster there. On 20 April the chairman of the war veterans, Zenzo Ncube, addressed a meeting where anyone who was connected to the Movement for Democratic Change was threatened. Militia came looking for the councillor who won the election in Ward 18 and he managed to escape to Bulawayo. He broke down as he related his ordeal saying that he was concerned about the safety of the family he left behind when he fled.
 
Dandanda – Lupane – Reports say that War Veterans and Zanu Pf militia have started beating up people in Dandanda West (Lupane West), Ndlovu Secondary School in Matshiya Ward and Gwamba Ward. A local Zanu PF official when confronted with this development has said that these are campaign teams who have sent up camp in the wards for the purposes of mobilizing the population to vote for President Mugabe during the forthcoming.

Two casualties of violence in the Lupane area are admitted at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo with serious injuries after being attacked by war veterans.

Gwanda – A meeting was held at Garanyemba on Wednesday 31 April during which Zanu  PF officials and war veterans addressed the community informing them that they would be embarking on an exercise to teach people how to vote.
 
The commander of the Zimbabwe National Army Philip Valerio Sibanda toured the area by helicopter talking to chiefs. During the tour, the commander is said to have told Chief Mathe that they were disappointed by the way people voted and went on to say that even if Morgan Tsvangirai won the run-off the army would stage a coup to remove him.
 

At Ntepe the team that is to undertake the exercise of voter re-education will be camped at losing former MP Abednigo Ncube’s residence and will be composed of Zanu PF officials from the provincial offices, war veterans and militia notoriously known as the Green Bombers. Those who are to lead the campaign include: War veterans Peter Ndlovu (War Vet), Dundungwane, Mdlongwa, and Mkoritshi; civilians Diba, former councillor who lost to Patrick Dube (MP) Mengezi, Christopher, Sipalatso, Senior Sobhuku (who has been terrorizing other headmen in the area).

Religious leaders throughout the country have resolved to visit torture camps to talk to soldiers, militia and Zanu PF officials manning them to try and convince them to reject violence.
 
Mathambo – War Vets and Militia attacked white and black farmers 40km along Vic Falls Road over the May Day holiday. Those that were being attacked re-grouped and hit back resulting in War vets fleeing with injuries. A cabinet Minister is believed to be behind the attacks. Instead, the state media claims that 2 white farmers and one black were arrested for ‘attacking war veterans.’

Kezi – Militia who had been deployed are said to have broken camp after failing to convince villagers to provide them with food. When asked what their mission was, they said that they had been sent there to teach the villagers how to vote properly. The headman failed to convince the villagers that the militias were there for their own good.

Silozwe – Matopo - War Vets and militia have set up base in the Silozwe area of Matopo and information indicates that they should start operating tomorrow. The victorious local councillor from the opposition MDC Tsvangirai party and members of Matopo Agenda being among a list of people threatened with death and whose residencies bare to be burnt down. The female MDC councillor has already fled to Bulawayo to avoid capture. She has left behind a 106 year old grandmother, who is looking after children some that are as young as one year. They are said to be sleeping on the surrounding mountains at night for fear of attacks. The councillor is suffering from a severe stress and is receiving treatment.

Bulilima and Mangwe - The Army, militia and war veterans have set up camps in Ngwanyana, Tshitshi and Masendu. In the first two areas they are said to be gathering information about opposition supporters in the area that is being provided by local Zanu Pf officials. These camps have been set up at the residences of these officials. In Masendu, some villagers have already been harassed and beaten up.
 

Nkayi North – The Member of Parliament for Nkayi North has confirmed that members of the army, police and militia have set up bases in most wards in the constituency as a precursor to a violent election campaign.
 
Hwange – Reports say that a number of people have fled the Mashala area into Hwange Town fearing reprisals from Zanu PF militia and war veterans. They are said to have taken refuge in the offices of the Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice.
 
Ten families from Jambezi area near Victoria Falls have fled and taken refuge at Catholic Churches in Hwange.

AS workers throughout the world commemorate International Workers Day, those in Zimbabwe have very little to celebrate about. The country is in the throes of an unprecedented political and economic crisis whose end does not seem to be in sight. There is tangible anxiety and frustration among the people of this country mainly due to the stalemate caused by the delay in the release of the Presidential election results. A full month after harmonized elections on 29 March, the result of the Presidential poll is still a matter of conjecture. This has seemed to nullify the choice Zimbabweans have consciously made in the quest to change their condition.
 
What Zimbabweans are faced with as a people, is a crisis of legitimacy of the current administration. They are being denied the opportunity to chart their future in a new dispensation, which they hoped would have emerged from the elections. As a nation in limbo, very little can be achieved until the results are released, and those that are declared winners take their rightful place. In the meantime, it would be folly to pretend that it is business as usual, with things continuing to fall apart.

The fact that the economy is in dire straits is a matter of public knowledge. Hyperinflation is the world’s highest, tottering at 165 000% and rising. An unsustainable fiscal deficit, an overvalued official currency and bare store shelves are symptomatic of economic collapse. At least one fifth of the population relies on food assistance. Unemployment is modestly estimated at 80% though the reality points to a higher figure, riding on a productive sector that has shrunk by up to 40%. The precious few who are in gainful employment are keeping their jobs more as a form of security than a source of livelihood. In fact, they actually subsidise their jobs, while real income comes from informal sources. This is inhuman exploitation of the highest order, and should not be allowed to continue.
 

A rash of ill-conceived policies has only served to worsen the situation. Monetary authorities only succeed in tinkering, by applying quick-fix solutions that have plunged the economy into deeper crisis, without tackling the structural deficiencies that are caused by dysfunctional policies and outright mismanagement. This approach gives the illusion that the authorities are on top of the situation when, in actual fact, it exposes the bankruptcy of their approach. The failure of what remains of the government to come to terms with the catastrophe, that every Zimbabwean is living through, is shocking to say the least. We appeal to those responsible for perpetuating the suffering of the masses, to move towards tackling the real issues that include those of governance.
 

Politically motivated violence and intimidation, in all its facets and from whichever quarter should be roundly condemned. Political tolerance and the respect for human rights are tenets of the democratic society we all yearn for. It is therefore critical that the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country be confronted head on. This entails a levelheaded and impartial approach by the authorities, which will help isolate and prosecute the perpetrators of such heinous crimes. Violent attacks, abuse, systematic intimidation and destruction of property must cease. They have no place in the civilized that Zimbabweans are striving to create.
 

It is in this light, therefore, that the Board of Trustees, Management Committee, Secretariat and Members of Bulawayo Agenda join the workers of Zimbabwe in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the election results by ZEC, so that the path to reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation is opened to all who wish to see Zimbabwe take up its rightful position among the nations of the world. The senseless violence, abuse and destruction of property perpetrated in retribution must stop and the collective will of the people of Zimbabwe must be allowed to prevail. It is our fervent hope that we will have the collective will and power to create conditions that will lead to economic recovery, an acceptable political dispensation and a better life for all.