MDC-T outshines Zanu PF in violence, survey

via MDC-T outshines Zanu PF in violence, survey 20/10/2014

THE MDC-T was fingered as the most violent party in the month of September registering 36 cases of violence against the 30 cases witnessed in Zanu PF, according to a civil rights group.

The MDC-T, which is in the process of preparing for its elective congress later this month, has witnessed more acts of political violence than its biggest rival, Zanu PF, which is well known for using violence to settle political differences.

“The MDC-T had 36 cases as the party moved to restructure its provinces while Zanu PF had 30 cases,” ZPP said in its report released recently.

“As has been the case in the last three months, the Midlands province has the highest number of violations at 68 cases followed by Mashonaland Central at 29 incidences.

The group cited the violence which erupted during the Harare provincial elections as members fought against each other over who should be the party’s secretary-general with those backing Nelson Chamisa fighting a group that was pushing for Douglas Mwonzora to take over from Tendai Biti.

In the report, the ZPP said that politically motivated violence has remained low compared to hate speech among Zanu PF members who are preparing to hold an explosive congress in December.

The Mujuru faction has popularised a slogan “Pasi nemaweevils” (down with weevils), a statement said to be targeted at the Mnangagwa camp while the rival group uses the slogan, Pasi negamatox, a dangerous pesticide used to kill pests.