Tensions flared over the weekend in Binga, Matabeleland North after opposition party O-Zapu’s president Mathew Sibanda accused Zanu PF supporters and traditional leaders of political intimidation, harassment and sabotaging his rallies.
Sibanda formed O-Zapu earlier this year after splitting split from Zapu over irreconcilable political differences.
In his first major campaign trail, Sibanda held two key rallies, one at Lusulu Business centre last Saturday and a larger gathering in Tshipale ward about 50 kilometres south of Binga on Sunday.
But the Lusulu rally almost did not happen.
“A group of Zanu PF supporters led by a well-known activist in the area stormed the venue and tried to intimidate our supporters,” he told Southern Eye.
“We had police clearance, yet we were treated like criminals.
“It was only after the police intervened that order was restored and we could continue.”
During both rallies, villagers raised deep concerns about deteriorating living conditions, rampant corruption, and political bias from traditional leaders.
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Sibanda highlighted a disturbing trend where chiefs and headmen allegedly coerced villagers into supporting the ruling party.
“People are suffering in silence,” he said.
“They told me they cannot sell their livestock without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.
“That is their only way to buy food or send children to school.”
Villagers also lamented the rising crime rate, drug shortages in local clinics, youth unemployment, and a growing sex trade among desperate young women.
“Some of the young women are charging as little as a dollar for sex.
“That is not just a moral crisis; it is a humanitarian one,” Sibanda said.
“This is what underdevelopment looks like when a government neglects its people.”
Roads in the area, he said, were almost impassable and the lack of progress on key infrastructure like the Gwayi-Shangani Dam was proof of government failure.
“We travelled on terrible roads to get there,” he indicated.
“It is a disgrace.
“The Gwayi-Shangani Dam project has become a monument of empty promises.
“We need a government that finishes what it starts.”
He also slammed the ongoing joint police and Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) blitz against transporters, calling it a money-making racket that punishes business owners for faults caused by the state of the country’s roads.
“I am just coming from the VID trying to negotiate for the release of one of my trucks,” he said.
“They are charging US$15 per defect and US$25 just to release the vehicle.
“Our roads destroy these trucks, then they fine us for it. It is extortion.”
He claimed dozens of transporters have had their vehicles impounded for vague or unclear mechanical issues and are often subjected to verbal abuse when they try to appeal.
“The system is broken,” he complained.
“It is no longer about safety — it is about squeezing every last dollar from struggling citizens.”
Sibanda pledged that an O-Zapu government would prioritise infrastructure development, fix clinics, rebuild roads and fight corruption head-on.
“We are not here to make empty promises,” he added.
“We are here to restore dignity to the people of Binga and all of Zimbabwe.”
As the 2028 election cycle draws closer, it remains to be seen how much momentum O Zapu can build in rural areas long dominated by the ruling party.
Sibanda said he is determined to challenge the status quo.
