on political grounds; some have lost their homes and have been forced out of their
communities and driven to neighbouring countries like Mozambique.”1
4. Violence Actors
Actors in perpetuating electoral related violence between 2008 to date include both ruling and
opposition members, the security forces such as the Central Intelligence Organisation, the
Army and the Zimbabwe Republic Police. In 2008, Lt. Col Murecherwa2 was reportedly
deployed to manage electoral campaigns for ZANU PF in Chimanimani constituency
operating from Nyanyadzi Training Centre together with Major Mabvuu3. They also worked
with Muhlabu, Kuhthante and Mrs Shalimi (ZANU PF supporters). In 2008 again, ZANU PF
youths led by Tendai Gurenje axed to death eight cattle belonging to MDC Chimanimani
West district treasurer, John Neshiri.4 In the same district, Israel Mureyani an MDC activist
from Nedziwa Village was also admitted at Mutambara Mission Hospital after being attacked
by ZANU PF youths.5 The Zimbabwe Peace Project, in September 2014, noted that “in
Chimanimani West at Ngangu Village known Central Intelligence Operatives Melusi
Sibanda, Gwekwerere and others travelling in a vehicle with registration number ABT 7752
moved around intimidating people telling them not to attend MDC-T meeting the following
day.” Monica Mutsvangwa, Janet Knight, Samuel Udenge and Munacho Mutezo, himself,
were the chief architects of the violence. In the process, state resources including government
vehicles especially one with registration number GWRD 0228 was used during the
campaigns to ferry ZANU PF members to and from rallies. State assets might also be used in
the upcoming elections despite calls by VP Mnangagwa for government institutions to shun
corruption and misuse of state resources.6
1
Centre for Research and Development: [Online] Available at: http://www.crdzim.com/programmes1.html
Rupiya, (2010) The Military Factor in Zimbabwe’s Political and Electoral Affairs:
http://www.swradioafrica.com/Documents/The%20Military%20Factor%20in%20Zimbabwe.pdf
3
Channel Zim (15 March 2016) Bhasikiti Spills the Beans: Mugabe Ordered Deployment of Army to Crush
Opposition in 2008 Polls. [Online] http://channelzim.net/home/16-featured/8542-bhasikiti-spills-the-beansmugabe-ordered-deployment-of-army-to-crush-opposition-in-2008-polls
4
Zimbabwe Situation (2011) Scores of Youth Picked Up By Police:
http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/old/mar29_2011.html
5
Zimbabwe Peace Project (23 July 2011) Report of Politically Motivated Violence.
http://archive.kubatana.net/docs/hr/zpp_summary_hr_food_violations_110728.pdf
6
The ZimDaily (2014) Frequent Board Meetings Destroying Parastatals.
http://www.thezimbabwedaily.com/news/94275-frequent-board-meetings-destroying-parastatalsmnangagwa.html
2
3