Chief Muusha of Chimanimani has allegedly threatened his subjects with unspecified action if they vote for the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in the August 23 elections.
Chief Muusha, born Timothy Munorowazvo reportedly issued the threats at a meeting held at Muusha Primary School last Wednesday.
The meeting was called by the chief to officially introduce himself to the villagers following his installation by Public Works deputy minister Marian Chombo early this month.
Sources who attended the meeting said the traditional leader, who took delivery of a brand-new Isuzu twin cab a few days before his installation, told villagers that he had instructed all headmen under his jurisdiction to make sure their subjects vote for Zanu PF.
“Last Wednesday, the new Chief Muusha called a meeting at Muusha Primary School. In his address, the chief started by outlining his expectations from the people,” said a villager who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation.
“When the meeting was about to end, the chief started telling us to vote for (President Emmerson) Mnangagwa and Zanu PF during the elections. The chief actually said Mnangagwa had big plans for us and therefore should be voted into office at all costs.”
Another villager said: “The chief said he had assigned village heads in every ward to make sure that their subjects vote for the ruling party. He said if the opposition wins in a particular ward, the people in that ward will be in trouble.”
When reached for comment, the chief said: “I have heard you my son, I am sorry about that. Today I am not feeling well. I would have said more than this apology. Please forgive me, I have understood and heard you. Thank you my son, thank you for that."
- ED heads for Marange
- ‘Zimbos dreading 2023 elections’
- Your Excellency, the buck stops with you
- We’ll unleash our dogs: Zanu PF
Keep Reading
According to the Constitution, traditional leaders must not be involved in partisan politics.
CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba accused the chief of straying from his traditional role.
“As a party, we are inundated with cases where traditional leaders are clearly violating the Constitution by forcing their subjects to vote for Zanu PF,” Siziba said.
“Apart from this Muusha case, we also had a recent incident in Gokwe where a chief dragged some of our supporters and candidates to his traditional court just for wearing yellow T-shirts. Some were even fined livestock before the party intervened and called the chief to order.”
Siziba said the party would expose all traditional leaders who harass and abuse voters.
