Terrence Mawawa, Mwenezi |The ruling Zanu PF party has launched its campaign for the Mwenezi East by-election in a violent manner it has emerged. Sources in Mwenezi revealed to ZimEye.com that Zanu PF held several meetings at the weekend and villagers were intimidated ahead of the by-election.

The by-election will be held to replace the late Zanu PF MP for the area,Joshua Moyo who died in December. “Zanu PF is intimidating villagers here.Party officials addressed a meeting in ward 13 at the weekend.They said people will be assaulted if they do not vote for the ruling party.

They also instructed village heads to submit names of all members of opposition parties.They forced business people to close their shops at the weekend.The terror campaign has already started here.

Fear has gripped the Mwenezi Community,”said a local villager. Zanu PF Provincial Political Commissar Jeppey Jaboon confirmed the ruling party had launched the campaign for the Mwenezi East by-election and denied there were cases of intimidation in the area. “I was in Mwenezi on Sunday for a meeting and we are finalising matters. We are not looking back.We will win the seat at all costs and let me tell you that Zanu PF is not afraid of Bhasikiti who wants to contest on a Zim PF ticket,”said Jaboon.

Zanu PF’s Beauty Chabaya won the Bikita West by-election following a violent campaign and intimidation of villagers. Opposition parties say the Zanu PF wins elections through rigging ,violence and intimidation of perceived opponents.