As the fight to represent Chimanimani West constituency reaches a climax, Zanu PF has been accused of employing intimidation tactics ahead of the by-election slated for Saturday.
Source: ‘Zanu PF plays it dirty in Chimanimani West’ – NewsDay Zimbabwe November 22, 2016
BY KENNETH NYANGANI
Independent candidate, Edmore Mtetwa, who will fight it out with Zanu PF’s Nokuthula Matsikenyere, Pesanai Musakanuka (National Constitution Assembly) and Peter Gudyanga (Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe), alleged his rallies were being disrupted by the ruling party.
There were also reports of military vehicles patrolling the constituency in a move that has left his supporters in fear.
On Sunday, Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandi Chimene and Buhera South legislator Joseph Chinotimba (Zanu PF) donated 15 computers at Tonhorai Primary School in ward 20. The rallies were reportedly poorly attended.
“The level of intimidation is now alarming, since last week when army trucks began roaming around the constituency,” Mtetwa alleged.
“Every time I have a rally, they try to disrupt it by creating a programme near where I will be conducting my rally. I don’t know what they will be trying to do.’’
Mtetwa accused Zanu PF Manicaland youth chairman, Mubuso Chinguno of mobilising youths to intimidate his supporters.
He alleged that villagers were being told to be assisted during the voting process if they were illiterate.
Chinguno, however, dismissed the allegations, saying Mtetwa was now a crybaby as he stared imminent defeat.
“He does not have the capacity to win the election. There are no military vehicles in the constituency. He is a crybaby. We are fighting hard to retain the constituency because Munacho Mutezo had neglected it,” he said
“But I can confirm that Chinotimba and Chimene distributed computers at Tonhorai Primary School.’’
The seat fell vacant when Mutezo was expelled from Zanu PF on allegations of shifting allegiance to Zimbabwe People First led by former Vice-President Joice Mujuru.
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