MOSES MATENGA
The deployment of soldiers in some villages including Chipinge constituencies has caused panic ahead of elections with many fearing a possible repeat of the 2008 violent campaign they allege was spearheaded by the military.
Chipinge East MP Mathias Mlambo said there was discomfort in the area due to the presence of soldiers adding that locals were now panicking and raising questions on the presence of the military.
“We faced a challenge a few days ago when soldiers were brought to our area at Chikaide School.
“They left that place and went to Glass Flats, they camped behind the shops there but yesterday, people were phoning saying what has happened because the President has proclaimed the election date,” Mlambo said.
“There is training of soldiers going on targeting Chipinge East and Chipinge South.
“This is what is happening. We want to know whether soldiers have been deployed already?”
His questions were interpreted to mean confirmation of use of military ahead of elections though acting Speaker Tsitsi Gezi was quick to argue it was a normal operation.
“They are just doing their duties, I thought you were complaining that they are beating people,” the acting Speaker said.
Warren Park MP Shakespeare Hamauswa also asked Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe to assure Parliament that there will be a violent free election.
He expressed concern over the delay in coming to Parliament by Kazembe.
“The Minister has not come to the House to fulfill the request that was raised in this august House that he should explain the state of preparedness of the Ministry of Home Affairs and indeed, the nation for holding peaceful elections,” Hamauswa said.
“I believe that if that is raised, this would allow the people of Zimbabwe to have confidence that elections will be held in a peaceful environment.”
Past elections in the country, mainly the 2008 polls, were marred by violence in rural areas at most.
However, since coming into office, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for peace and urged all contesting political parties to put their party supporters on leash.
Zimbabwe heads to the harmonised polls on August 23.
