7 party’s spokesmen, MDC youth were deployed in the area to combat the rampant lawlessness and abuse of MDC supporters. This unusual step was taken primarily because the police were largely ineffectual in protecting local residents. But the most troubling aspect of the campaign was the rampant violence that resulted in two deaths, numerous injuries, and vast property damage. The large number of party supporters that both major parties deployed to the constituency heightened the scale and ferocity of the violence. The death of Zanu (PF) supporter, Bernard Gara, received more media attention than any other act of violence during the campaign. Gara was allegedly stabbed to death by MDC supporters at a Zanu (PF) rally at Baradzanwa business centre. He was apparently caught in a clash between party youth and was fatally injured in the melee. He died en route to the hospital. Bikita West police launched into quick action after the murder. Forty-four MDC activists were arrested in the next few days, and eight were brought before the courts and charged. An arrest warrant was also issued for MDC MP, Job Sikhala, who also serves as his party’s security director. He was alleged to have been present during the clash of party youths and was alleged by the ZRP to have taken a leading role. A few days after the incident police raided an MDC hideout in Bikita and detained 97 party youth. Police confiscated short stabbing spears, South African-made butcher knives, axes and knobkerries. Hundreds of MDC youth reportedly were deployed to the area in response to the deaths of two MDC activists in the early run-up period. MDC activist, Ropafadzo Manyame, of Warren Park in Harare was another victim, apparently due to Zanu (PF) retaliation after the death of Gara. A war veteran militia and Zanu (PF) supporters at Nyika growth point attacked her on 9 January 2001. At the time of the attack she was sitting in a car belonging to MDC Shadow Minister for Health, Tichaona Mudzingwa. The violators threw petrol bombs at MDC cars injuring several MDC supporters and burning three vehicles. Manyame died of her injuries a week later. It is alleged that Chenjerai Hunzvi ordered the attack. Yet, unlike the actions that followed the death of Gara, there was no mass police action and no arrests reported.11 During that same period members of the CIO and ZRP allegedly tortured 50 MDC youths. After the youths were arrested and detained at Zaka police station, they were reportedly beaten with rifle butts and batons, shackled in leg irons, had their testicles compressed, and were burnt with cigarettes. They were also made to chew and grind MDC red cards and whistles with their teeth. The youths were then forced to strip naked, put on condoms, and lick them. Their money, IDs and party information was confiscated. They were eventually transported by men armed with AK47s and hand grenades in an unregistered vehicle. The victims were eventually abandoned in the middle of the Gonarezhou game park.12 The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) also reported other assaults during the run-up period. A woman with the surname of Chiumburikwa was beaten with an iron bar by Zanu (PF) supporters on 19 December 2000 and sustained injuries to her forehead. Zanu (PF) supporters and a war veteran militia beat Boniface Tauya three days later at his home. He and his mother were assaulted, and Boniface was struck in the face with a knife. Kenias Chikambure was abducted and assaulted by Zanu (PF) supporters and war veterans. During his assault he sustained back injuries and lost two front teeth. Charles Chinyinka was also beaten during this time. He was assaulted by Zanu (PF) supporters and hit on the nose with a hoe. He was referred to Silveira Hospital for treatment.13 11 Daily News, 19/1/01 See ZESN (2001), Bikita West 2001 Parliamentary By-Election Report, HARARE: ZESN; see also The Zimbabwe Standard, 14/1/01 13 ibid. 12 AMANI TRUST: Organised Violence and Torture in the Bye-Elections held in Zimbabwe during 2000 and 2001.