Villagers flee new wave of violence

A new wave of violence had hit the Muzarabani and Mount Darwin districts in Mashonaland, forcing more than 24 families to flee their homes, the ‘Daily News’ reported on Friday.

According to the newspaper, some MDC supporters had their homes burnt down. Biggie Chigonero, MDC vice-chairman for Mashonaland Central, was quoted as saying that police in Muzarabani had been ordered by the Bindura Magistrate’s Court to facilitate the return of the families to their homes, but that the order had not been complied with. The order followed an MDC court application for a peace order to be granted so that people could return to their homes safely.

Seventy-seven-year-old Paul Katsuwa of Mungororo village in Mount Darwin North was quoted as saying that he had abandoned his home in April after being assaulted by ZANU-PF youth and alleged war veterans for supporting the MDC. “They accused me of betraying them when I joined the MDC as its district chairman. I had no option but to flee because my life was in danger,” he said. Katsuwa, who has 10 children and 16 grandchildren, said he was shocked last week when he returned to Mount Darwin and found his home completely destroyed.

“I do not need any help from this government. What we need to do is to vote President Mugabe out of office. If he has support, why is he allowing his supporters to assault others? People can now see that Mugabe has failed to govern the country,” he said.