23 Chiredzi North would have likely intimidated others “into fleeing or refraining from casting their vote for fear of reprisals.” Therefore, it was reasonable to infer that the violence and intimidation was of such a nature and extent to suppose that the election had been affected, and thus, the election in Chiredzi North not valid. Whether the respondent, by himself or through his agents, was responsible for the violent nature of the campaign, or whether he or his agents had committed corrupt practices as defined in the Electoral Act remained unresolved. Although it was the petitioner’s assertion that the war veterans, namely Boniface Mutemachani, were linked to the respondent, Ziyambi never made a determination on whether individuals not appointed at an official capacity, could qualify as an agent as set out in the Electoral Act. This would have been important because, had Ziyambi made a decision that Mutemachani and others were in fact the respondent’s agents, Mr. Chauke would have been personally held responsible for these war veterans’ illegal actions. Ziyambi did however dismiss any allegation that the respondent himself was guilty of performing corrupt acts in his campaign. She insisted that there was not enough sufficient evidence to prove this charge beyond a reasonable doubt. 5.7 J. Ziyambi: Chiredzi South The MDC candidate and petitioner Mr. Patrick Tsumele’s main contention in this case was that the respondent, Mr. Aaron Baloyi, and supporters unleashed a reign of terror in Chiredzi South in an effort to intimidate MDC supporters, real or potential, from exercising their vote freely. Central to this case were various events that occurred between 4 and 16 June 2000. These included: On 4 June, war veterans physically assaulted the petitioner, causing him injuries that required hospitilisation. On 8 June, war veterans threatened the petitioner, and assaulted his campaign manager, Shadreck Mbizi, with an empty bottle and whips. Mbiza consequently required medical attention to treat the injuries he sustained in the attack. On 10 June, Zanu (PF) members set alight the church of Hasani Mukaha, an MDC supporter and choirmaster. Mukaha was pursued by 14 Zanu (PF) supporters the following Monday from his home to his mother’s home where he was taken into custody and detained in the cells at Chikombedzi Police Station. On 12 June, Zanu (PF) supporters stoned a motorcycle carrying MDC supporter Jabulani Gumbo and Mbizi. The assailants allegedly sought refuge in the respondent’s home. Again, Gumbo was waylaid by people hiding in the trees a week later while he was driving his vehicle On 14 June, war veterans stoned the petitioner’s home. On 15 June, respondent’s supporters cordoned off the gates of the hospital where the petitioner lived and worked. The petitioner was threatened with assault. On 16 June, outside the shops, Zanu (PF) supporters attacked MDC branch chairman, Paul Chauke and 14 other MDC supporters with stones. The attackers were pursued until the melee reached the respondent’s home where the fighting continued. It was alleged that some of the Zanu (PF) assailants were residing at the respondent’s home. On an unspecified date, Sgt. Verenga detained, interrogated and threatened MDC organizing secretary, John Mazhata. AMANI TRUST: Neither Free nor Fair: High Court decisions on the petitions on the June 2000 General Election.