Violence flares in Masvingo ahead of polls

Violence flared in Masvingo, 200 km south of the capital Harare on Tuesday when suspected opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) youths allegedly attacked a ruling ZANU-PF campaign team, injuring six and abducting one before looting some shops the state-owned ‘Herald’ newspaper said on Wednesday. Mayoral elections in the area are scheduled for this weekend.

Masvingo police spokesman, Inspector Simon Mbedzi, confirmed the incident and the arrests, but declined to give details. “It is true that we arrested the six MDC supporters, but I cannot give further details. Investigations are in progress,” Mbedzi was quoted as saying. The election is pitting ZANU-PF’s Jacob Chademana against Alois Chaimiti of the MDC, and three independent candidates — Femias Chakabuda, Alex Mupa and Alois Chidoda.

Superintendent Bothwell Mugariri of Police General Headquarters appealed to all political parties campaigning for the Masvingo mayoral post to desist from resorting to violence and intimidation against their opponents, the report said. “Some political party supporters have been seen moving around in trucks and toyi-toying in the streets trying to lure voters through committing acts of violence against persons and property. These acts of violence must come to an end. The police will not sit and watch while innocent people are being assaulted,” Mugariri was quoted as saying.