SW Radio Africa news - The Independent Voice of Zimbabwe
Political differences between families in Binga North have grown increasingly nasty and turned into deadly physical confrontations. Following the disputed July 31st elections, villagers in Sinamwenda and Chunga villages in Binga have on a daily basis witnessed political violence sparked by differing political persuasions among rival siblings. On the receiving end have been supporters of the MDC-T, namely Tedius Muchimba, Fanta Muchimba and Samuel Mudenda. Their tormentors have been Janet Muchimba, Wayne Muchimba, Isaiah Mudenda and Lokadi Mudenda, all known ZANU PF supporters. Our Bulawayo correspondent Lionel Saungweme told us the feud has long been simmering but boiled over soon after President Robert Mugabe garnered a two thirds majority in Parliament. ‘Soon after the results of the election were announced, those supporting the MDC-T were forced to flee to the mountains, facing threats of violence. The tensions died down a bit but escalated last week when ZANU PF activists started attacking the homes of their adversaries,’ Saungweme said. The attackers have been stoning homes belonging to MDC people, forcing them to sleep elsewhere during the night. Nobody knows exactly how the feud started but political differences have played a major part in the disturbances,’ added Saungweme. The situation is not helped by the fact that any reports to the police will not be entertained or followed up, because of the partisan nature of the authorities in the country.