Rights group says villagers flee violence in Shamva

SWR News – Another disturbing report from Mashonaland Central was issued on Thursday, saying more MDC supporters have been forced to flee their homes by ZANU PF youths.
The Restoration of Human Rights organisation (ROHR) says seven families have fled after being threatened by known ZANU PF supporters at a prayer meeting held at Zhanda village in the Chishapa area, Shamva.

Quoting their partner organisation, the Victims Action Committee, ROHR said among the displaced group are seven men, seven women, ten children under the age of twelve and two teenagers. The families faced a similar fate during the election violence in March 2008 and are now living in the bush with no access to food, water and shelter.

This report came just a day after ROHR and the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition both issued statements on the arson attacks that took place in Muzarabani’s Charunda Village Ward 17, resulting in 55 people fleeing the area.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition said ZANU PF burnt down an Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) church and a house belonging to Wirimayi Gono, an MDC councillor, vowing to block attempts by MDC supporters to participate in the constitution making process.

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