Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum: Report on political violence in Bulawayo, Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Midlands the back of vehicles driven by Mr Zinyemba and the ZANU (PF) members who had accompanied him to the meeting. The security guards were advised that the sjamboks would be used to beat people who were suspected of being MDC supporters. Other incidents Other incidents that have been reported in this province include the following: 29 March, Bubi farming area The head of the war veterans, Chenjerai Hunzvi and around 70 of his supporters brought in from Mashonaland made an intimidatory propaganda visit to a white game rancher, together with television cameras from the government sponsored media. They proceeded to bully this man and confiscate his licensed weapons in front of the cameras. Property was destroyed and stolen. This was clearly a propaganda stunt – the farmer was accused of supporting MDC. The weapons were all later returned by the police, after Hunzvi’s departure. 29 March, Bubi farming area The above group of war veterans also beat up the black manager of the local bottle store. Week of 12 April Army units wearing red berets were seen in Bulawayo, and also in Matabeleland North and South: this is intimidatory, as it reminds people of the murderous 5 Brigade, who wore red berets in the 1980s. 18 April, Nyamandlovu The murder of Martin Olds on his farm in by 120 armed “war veterans” 11 May Nkayi Headmaster of local school beaten by war veterans. Their identities are known. He and his staff are accused of supporting MDC and are threatened with death. He escaped and fled to Bulawayo. 13 May Nyamandlovu The MDC candidate has his house burnt to the ground by 15 Zanu (PF) youths, losing everything including his maize crop. Nearby villagers including women and a 7 year old, are brutally beaten during this incident, and have property destroyed. The candidate is absent and therefore escapes alive. The youth claim they were following orders from the local member of parliament, Mr Obert Mpofu. The MDC youths effect a citizen’s arrest of some of the perpetrators, but at the police station, the perpetrators are freed and the MDC supporters are detained in jail. 14 May Nyamandlovu Two MDC supporters are brutally beaten by Zanu (PF) supporters after being abducted at gun-point. One loses a testicle as a result of the violence. Property is also stolen. 16 May 4 MDC supporters are threatened with death. 16 May Ntabazinduna War veterans terrorise the area from morning till evening. People are assaulted and threatened and property is destroyed. 22 May Nyamandlovu A woman is severely beaten with sjamboks. A councillor is also severely assaulted. He ran away and his whereabouts are unknown. 3 June, Futhe, Bubi/Umguza A shop belonging to Independent candidate Mr. M.H. Ncube went up in smoke after arsonists burnt it down; Mr Ncube has earlier received several threats f rom Zanu (PF) supporters for challenging their candidate in the Bubi/Umguza constituency. 6 June, Nyamandlovu Mr. Robin Greaves, a white farmer, has filed charges against two Zanu (PF) campaign managers in the Bubi/Mguza constituency after they allegedly threatened to behead him. In a meaning with farm workers 11

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