Food Aid: 4 MDC-T sympathisers arrested, told ‘never in your lifetime’
A Zanu-PF official in Mashonaland Central has reportedly told an opposition MDC-T supporter that “never in your lifetime” will he get food aid. Four opposition activists were arrested in similar conflict in Buhera.
Last Saturday, March 12, 2016, names were being compiled for food aid beneficiaries in Ward 3 of Mbire in Mashonaland Central when Zanu-PF officials, Lapukan Chimanga, a local chairman, and Councillor Albert Kavhiko told Blessing Matsaira he will never get food aid.
Matsaira, who hails in Sapa Village in Mbire was reportedly told to go and get food aid from opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, for allegedly being his supporter.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe in Section 56 (3) outlaws discrimination on the basis of political affiliation.
The government, including Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Hon. Priscilla Mupfumira, has said government will stamp out discrimination in food aid distribution.
But the reality on the ground continues to prove that such discrimination is in full scale spearheaded by ruling Zanu-PF party officials who allegedly include councillors and Members of Parliament.
On the same Saturday, March 16, 2016, in Buhera North four MDC-T activists were reportedly handcuffed and ferried to Dorowa Police Station in Manicaland for demanding that they be not discriminated in food handouts.
The four identified as Fidelis Mugashu, Tinei Nyamunda, Bothwell Munhiri and Regina Mudzvingi were later released on condition they pay US$ 20.00 fine within seven days allegedly for disturbing peace.
The country has been hit by an El Nino-induced drought, which is affecting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, with over 3 million people needing food aid in Zimbabwe. ZimRights
