ZANU‑PF’s Mashonaland West Province Secretary for Education has declared that no opposition party will be allowed to conduct business in the area. This statement came days after the official halted the Citizens’ Coalition for Change’s (CCC) consensus candidate‑selection process in Goromonzi North’s Ward 16.
According to NewZimbabwe.com, Pardon Chibamu called a CCC member known only as Makwarimba and ordered him to disperse the crowd that had gathered at Makwarimba’s homestead for the selection. Described by a close source as a “bulldozer,” Chibamu even threatened to kill anyone who defied his directive. He did not respond to requests for comment.
The CCC began its candidate‑selection process on Wednesday, a new initiative that allows communities to choose their representatives instead of using traditional primary elections. While some areas such as Glen Norah, Warren Park and Mufakose experienced minor hiccups, others completed the process without incident.
A source who wished to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation said, “Chibamu threatened to unleash terror on CCC members in Ward 16. He said the CCC can never gather there if the nomination is to be conducted. He called Makwarimba and threatened to kill and beat people up if the process continued at Makwarimba’s homestead.” The police had given the CCC’s process a green light.
Zimbabwe is heading toward general elections scheduled between 26 July and 26 August this year. Concerns about politically motivated violence are high, especially in provinces such as Mashonaland West and Central, where such incidents have been recorded in past elections. The source added, “Makwarimba is now living in fear. We are seriously worried about his safety. Chibamu is a serious thug known for bulldozing his way everywhere he goes. What deeply worries us is whether he was sent by ZANU‑PF or acted on his own.”
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