THE Joice Mujuru-led Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) has claimed that State security agents were trailing their supporters and blocking them from attending campaign rallies in most parts of the country.
by XOLISANI NCUBE
ZimPF spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, told Southern Eye that at the weekend, some known Central Intelligence Organisation operatives and army officers were seen blocking party members from attending a campaign rally at Mataga Growth Point in Mberengwa, Midlands province.
“They (State security agents) moved around the area (Mberengwa) telling our supporters that anyone who attends the rally would be beaten up by soldiers, but most of the people came inspite of the threats from these guys, who were sent by their superiors,” he said.
“They alleged that the meeting will be raided by the military and anyone seen at the venue would be dealt with, but this did not help at all. We had a good turnout, as people are fed-up of such threats.
“Anyone who tries to use intimidation and violence will not go far because Zimbabweans are tired.”
Gumbo claimed similar intimidation reports had been received from ZimPF supporters in Masvingo, Mashonaland West, East and Central and Manicaland provinces.
However, Zimbabwe National Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore said he was unaware of the allegations.
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“I doubt if that is true, I will have to check, but I don’t think our members could do that,” he said.
State Security minister Kembo Mohadi could not be reached for comment, as his mobile phone went unanswered.
Zanu PF has routinely been accused of employing State security charges to intimidate opposition party supporters, with the 2008 presidential election run-off being a case in point, but the ruling party strenuously denies the accusations.
The MDC parties have also called for security sector reform, accusing securocrats of dabbling in partisan politics, but Zanu PF has thwarted these demands.
