FAZ accused of harassing voters inspecting names in Shurugwi
By Kwacha Mahachi
Zanu PF affiliate, Forever Associates Zimbabwe (Faz) at Clarans farm, ward 21 in Shrugwi South is reportedly causing havoc, harassing those trying to check their names on the voters’ roll by demanding proof of ruling party membership.
Although Faz is a registered private voluntary organisation which claims to facilitate “door-to-door voter contact” the organisation is reportedly working hand in glove with the central intelligence organisation (CIO).
Scores of villagers at Clarans Farm, village 7 Adamantia and Asvoldraai farm said they felt threatened to see Faz having its table near Zimbabwe Election Commission inspection centre demanding proof of Zanu Pf membership inform of membership cards.
“At first, we thought it was name inspection as usual, but I was shocked beyond words to find Faz members clad in Zanu Pf regalia and banner at the inspection centre. We were served by one some guys who wore brave faces and confronted ZEC officials complaining why Faz was doing that in their full view,” said a villager who preferred to be called Audrey for fear of victimisation.
Another middle-aged villager who also declined to be identified said most of the perpetrators were known local Zanu PF members.
“Most of these so called Faz official were local Zanu Pf members namely, a war veteran from Kashambe by the name Moyo, and the wife officer Mberengwa Senior Support Unity police officer, Mrs Patience Tirimba nee Tembo and in Dorset was Happias Manenge.
“They were interrogating each person who had come to check their names in the voters’ roll. Some people very few people denied with their information, while the majority who were afraid, adhered to their demandS.” said the seemingly worried villager.
The villager said they complained to ZEC and reported the matter to the police, but they only removed party regalia but remained at the inspection centre up to closing time.
“This was the situation at Dorset resettlement area, Kashamba, Zhaugwe, polling stations in Shurugwi and Surise, Bolder Becon, Goko Plains, Broonsgaard and other areas around Somabhula.”
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) opened its voters roll inspection exercise on Saturday and Faz members were manning several polling stations, mostly in the rural areas which resulted in some voters failing to check for their names.
Inspections were reportedly suspended at some centres in Shurugwi after the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) protested the presence of Faz members at the polling stations.
“At Sungano Motel polling station in Ward 12, Shurugwi North Constituency, police had to be called to intervene after FAZ members refused to vacate the polling stations,” said Maidei Chaitezvi from Falcon in Shurugwi.
On its snap survey, Kwedu News observed at various inspection centres that Faz members were threatening the registered voters who had come for inspection by interrogating them, making inquiries on whether the registered voter was in the Zanu PF cell register or not. Hence, threatening those who were not in the Zanu PF.
Kwedu Classics
Your story our story