via Govt to close Chingwizi? | The Zimbabwean 7 August 2014
The authorities are planning to close Chingwizi transit camp. Riot police and soldiers are camped there while many of the 12,000 victims of flooding in February are living in the bush following weekend riots that saw two government vehicles reduced to ashes as the victims resist relocation before being paid compensation.
Government sources said that authorities would want the camp closed before the start of this year’s rainy season.
The situation remains tense as government beefs up security personnel amid reports that the state now wants all the families to be forcibly resettled and close the holding camp. Truckloads of riot police officers and troops continue to be deployed in the area to quell disturbances as the villagers have vowed to stay put despite pressure.
At least 300 people were arrested in connection with the torching of the vehicles. Police plan to charge them with arson or malicious injury to property.
Masvingo provincial affairs minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti refused to give details on the goings on at the camp.
“We are prepared to die here because we have nothing in our hands,” said one of the victims. “Resettling us when we do not have any money to start a living is just the same as cutting our heads.”
Civil society and the MDC-T have condemned the government move to deploy troops at the camp, where millions of donor dollars have been spent sheltering and feeding the people for the past six months. Villagers claim huge amounts of the aid disappeared into the pockets of officials.
There have also been as yet unsubstantiated reports that at least 100 girls at the camp are pregnant.
COMMENTS
Zpf has already destroyed Zimbos’ lives. True our fellow Zimbos at Chingwizi have undergone horrifying experiences to an extent that they are prepared to die in the hands of the gvt. If out there such frustration hasn’t come your way, you are fortunate. Chingwizi, we are with u in prayers
I don’t understand why anyone would vote for ZANU PF. These thugs are driving brand new cars using aid money that’s supposed to help these struggling people. Then they have the nerve to beat them up & treat them like dirt when they actually have genuine grievances.
Opportune time to hit elsewhere simultaneously! Chingwizi residents – our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
a good catalyst for civil war.
The time is now. Long have we seen it in silence. We are a mockery. We should all understand that we are not immortal.
Zimbabwean GAZA to close !! Mwari Iwe tibatsireyiwo.
the end is approaching,may the Mighty Lord help us all.Why the gvt is doing that to the people who voted for them.ohoo shame to all who
beat thier own people