Councillors, Village Heads Forcing Villagers To Back CAB3

Village heads and councillors in Bikita and Gutu South have been accused of pressuring members of the public to complete forms declaring their support for Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 (CAB3).

Villagers who spoke to Masvingo Mirror on condition of anonymity claimed that people were called to meetings by Ward 31 councillor Thomas Mataga and village head Elijah Bhiri to discuss the issue.

In Gutu South, Ward 7 councillor Stephen Muvunde is accused of giving the forms to village heads and ordering them to ensure every villager signs in support of CAB3. Efforts to get a comment from Muvunde were unsuccessful.

In Bikita, most villagers refused to complete the forms, which are reportedly meant for submission to Parliament.

Ward 31 councillor Thomas Mataga confirmed the meetings in a telephone interview but denied forcing villagers to sign.

Village head Manema, born Elijah Bhiri, confirmed that the exercise took place. He said 30 villagers from his area completed the forms, while those opposed to the process did not attend the meeting.

He added that he also filled in a form in support of the Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3.

“Yes, we held the exercise today (Wednesday) at the ward centre at Mandadzaka,” said Manema.

“Those who attended the meeting completed the forms voluntarily and did not object. Thirty villagers filled in the forms, and I am among them.

“I have since submitted the forms to the Ward 31 C ZANU PF centre chairwoman, Mai Muchena.”

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