Violence reared its ugly head once again in Hurungwe West ahead of a visit by Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa today with Zanu PF youths allegedly beating up rivals and disrupting a meeting organised by independent candidate, Temba Mliswa.
BY NUNURAI JENA
Hurungwe villager Simbarashe Mamina said he was one of several people in the constituency lucky to be alive after being subjected to brutal assault by eight Zanu PF youths on Friday. He was accused of attending a rally addressed by the former Mashonaland West ruling party provincial chairperson.
Mamina said he was waylaid by angry party youths after attending Mliswa’s meeting at Fueche.
“On my way from Mliswa’s meeting, I found Zanu PF youths waiting for me at my home. They started beating me, accusing me of backing Mliswa,” he alleged.
“They warned me that they would continue beating me until I leave Mliswa’s camp to re-join Zanu PF.”
Mamina reported the case at Magunje Police Station under case number RRB 2326301. He said the assailants came in an unregistered silver pick-up truck.
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Mnangagwa is expected to address a rally today to drum up support for Zanu PF candidate Keith Guzah.
Mliswa said he hoped Mnangagwa would denounce the “barbaric acts” being committed by members of his party.
“This is not about losing or winning an election, but respecting human life,” Mliswa said.
“So far, the environment does not meet the minimum election requirements. The elections will not pass as credible. Mnangagwa should denounce the barbaric acts being committed by members of his party.”
Unconfirmed reports said Zanu PF bases have been established around Hurungwe West.
Mliswa blamed the police for inaction when Zanu PF youths disrupted his rally and distributed rice at his meeting while police watched.
The next two weeks are likely to witness increased violence as Zanu PF bigwigs descend on Hurungwe West ahead of the June 10 by-elections.
