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Freeman Razemba
Crime Reporter
Zimbabwe is generally peaceful ahead of the elections with the two fatal arson attacks recorded lately being the result of family disputes, not politics, but there have been a handful of political disputes with some violence, Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga has reported.
He thanked citizens for maintaining peace ahead of the elections and said security agents have intensified safety and security measures countrywide.
In a security update yesterday CG Matanga said the public was free to conduct social and economic activities in a peaceful environment.
“As the country heads towards the general elections set for the 23rd August 2023, the Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds Zimbabweans for the peaceful environment which is prevailing in the country. The Zimbabwe Republic Police and other security arms of the Government have intensified safety and security measures in the country to ensure that the public is free to conduct various social and economic activities in a serene environment.
“The country is certainly ready to host peaceful, free, fair and credible elections. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has recorded minor reports of political disputes, violence and malicious damage to property.
“A total of 10 reports of malicious damage to property have been recorded by the police throughout the country,” he said.
Some of these, including the two most serious that led to loss of life, were unconnected to politics and the elections. On July 29, five people died at Mafararikwa Village, Chief Marange in Manicaland when Tonderai Muchimwe (43) broke into the room in which his niece, Violet Muchimwe (35), whom he was in love with, was sleeping with her four children.
Tonderai Muchimwe armed with a knife demanded to be intimate with his niece leading to a scuffle resulting with Violet Muchimwe fleeing leaving her children behind.
“Tonderai Muchimwe sprinkled petrol in the house and set the house on fire. The suspect and the four children died as a result of the incident. This is a purely criminal act involving a personal dispute,” Comm Gen Matanga said.
In another fatal arson attack, Emily Kamugiya (65), Letina Chimuka (70) and Maxwell Josi (12) died after the thatched bedroom they were sleeping in was set on fire by an unknown person on July 30 at Chitimbe Village, Chief Muzarabani, Mashonaland Central Province.
“The Police has established that one of the victims had been chased away by her son from St Alberts area on allegations of witchcraft in which she was said to be causing the illness of her grandchild. This is a case related to witchcraft allegations,” said Comm Gen Matanga.
Other less serious cases had a political background or police are still investigating possible motives. Brighton Mazhindu ‘s (46) house in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza was damaged on July 26. According to police this case points to intra-party violence after a dispute between CCC candidates over double parliamentary nomination for the same constituency.
In another report, the Police are investigating a case of malicious damage to property in which Tarisai Musonza (48) cattle pens were burnt by unknown persons at Musonza Village A, Chiweshe, Mashonaland Central on July 28.
” May I point out that investigations are still in progress in connection with the 10 huts which were set on fire in Shurugwi, Midlands Province on July 30, 2023. The huts are owned by some Zanu PF officials and supporters: Eva Chitata (42), Munyoro Getrude (63), Nkazana Mhlanga (46), Tobias Saul (51), Anna Mangena (62) and Lot Chivese (46). Two suspects have been arrested for the incident.”
The suspects, Edson Madhuveko (28) and Edwin Madhuveko (21) have since appeared in court as Police widen investigations.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to urge political parties to assist in the maintenance of law and order by preaching peace and urging their supporters and members to be tolerant for others’ political views. Finally, I reiterate that the law will be applied decisively on anyone bent on causing chaos and disharmony in the country before, during and after the elections,” he said.
Online Reporter