By Wezhira Munya
Patrick Mapfumo, an aspiring member of parliament from the Chiredzi North representing Citizens Coalition for Change [CCC], has lodged a strong complaint regarding the vandalism of his campaign posters by Zanu PF members. Mapfumo, a prominent businessperson, is set to compete against Zanu PF’s aspiring parliamentary candidate, Mr. Master Makopa, a former school head.
On the 2nd of August 2023, Mapfumo caught Linda Chinamano, an aspiring member of parliament from the Zanu PF Bulawayo, Njube-Entumbane constituency, red-handed while tearing his posters in Pashazhaume, Ward 1. Chinamano was part of Zanu PF’s campaign team for Chiredzi North on that day.
Furthermore, instances of poster destruction have been reported in other wards of Chiredzi North, where Zanu PF members have targeted posters belonging to CCC President Chamisa, as well as parliamentary and council candidates.
Additionally, CCC’s aspiring councillors in Chiredzi North have reported various threats from Zanu PF members.
Moreover, Zanu PF members in Chiredzi North have issued threats of land eviction to anyone supporting and voting for CCC in the upcoming harmonized elections.
Similar incidents have been observed in constituencies such as Masvingo Urban, Gutu Central, Gutu East, Bikita West, Bikita East, and other areas within Masvingo province, where Zanu PF members are defacing CCC campaign posters.
Despite the acts of violence, intimidation, and poster destruction, CCC members in Chiredzi North and other constituencies within Masvingo province are resolutely continuing their campaign efforts despite the challenging environment.
