Traditional leaders accused of victimising and harassing villagers for attending Tsvangirai's rallies

Activist group Zimbabwe Yadzoka/Mayibuye iZimbabwe has accused traditional leaders in the rural areas of threatening and victimising people who attended MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai’s rallies. The opposition party leader embarked on a recent countrywide tour. The activists begged the chiefs, sub-chiefs and village headmen to respect the law and not to meddle in politics.

Excerpts from the statement released by the group read:

The Zimbabwean constitution explicitly states under Section 281 (2) that traditional leaders must not participate in partisan politics.

We have noted with concern the victimization of opposition activists in rural areas by traditional leaders following a countrywide tour by MDC-T President, Morgan Tsvangirai.

Victimization of villagers for simply associating with a party of their choice is a blatant violation of the Zimbabwean constitution,

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The statement also accused the traditional leaders of using violence against their subjects to ensure that certain parties won the election.

During the past elections, traditional leaders were among the major perpetrators of political violence and as we head towards the 2018 elections, we believe there is need for collective action to ensure that the fundamental rights and freedoms of Zimbabweans are guaranteed and respected

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