Zanu PF Activists 'Set on Fire' Homes of Opposition Members
“They lost everything, everything. The fortunate part is that none of them was injured in the fires but they are traumatized."
WASHINGTON D.C. — Zimbabwe’s opposition Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe party led by Elton Mangoma claims that several homesteads belonging to its members in Mukuwamombe Village in Makoni North constituency, Manicaland province, were set on fire Tuesday night by suspected Zanu PF activists. Party spokesman Pishai Muchauraya claims that the affected villagers lost several household items, including foodstuffs, when their homes were set on fire. “They lost everything, everything. The fortunate part is that none of them was injured in the fires but they are traumatized,” said Muchauraya. Muchauraya said they had to find safe accommodation for some of the victims while others were rushed to Harare for counselling. He said the villagers reported the matter at Mayo Police Station but no one has since been arrested in connection with the arson. He claimed that the development occurred following a weekend rally by known Zanu PF leaders who threatened opposition supporters in the area with unspecified action. Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said they had not yet received a report of this incident. Zanu PF chairman Simon Khaya Moyo was not reachable for comment as he was said to be in a meeting in Victoria Falls. Muchauraya added the villagers are also expected to pursue the matter through political channels. “We know that Zanu PF is frightened by the large numbers of people who are joining us, especially in rural areas that’s why it is resorting to violence but we will not be intimidated,” said Muchauraya. Suspected Zanu PF activists in Masvingo this week threatened to kill MDC-T supporters, who attended a recent meeting addressed by party leader Morgan Tsvangirai.