ZANU PF activists allegedly intimidated vendors operating from Bulawayo’s vegetable markets in the central business district to board Zupco buses to attend a campaign rally which was addressed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday.
Mnangagwa addressed thousands of people at Mkhithika Primary School in Cowdray Park, where he claimed that the ruling party will grab all seats in the city when the country votes on August 23.
One vendor, who asked to remain anonymous, said they were “forced” onto the Zupco buses lest they lost their vending stalls.
“We had no option but to board the buses to attend the rally,” the vendor said.
Streetwise Traders Association director Percy Mcijo said forcing people to attend a rally was an assault on the right to freedoms of association and assembly.
“The Constitution of this country was written with the involvement of all and, as such, it is expected that it be complied with by all members of society and more so the ruling party is expected to lead by example,” Mcijo said.
“The affected informal traders lost the day’s income that cannot be compensated. The practice must stop.”
Last month, Zanu PF activists went on the rampage assaulting vendors at the vegetable markets for snubbing the party’s rallies and other events.
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The marauding youths also assaulted journalists who were covering the skirmishes.
Zanu PF Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Archibold Chiponda, however, dismissed reports that the party forced vendors to attend the rally.
“People with limited understanding tend to underestimate the pulling power of Zanu PF, especially for a sector such as the vendors,” Chiponda said.
“We are the champions of the small-scale indigenous traders. We are the only party that represents their interests.
“It is quite foolish and mischievous for anyone to suggest a vendor would be forced to attend a Zanu PF event.”
Chiponda added: “They willingly come in droves to support the party that supports them.”
Zanu PF has suffered humiliating defeats to the opposition in Bulawayo since the formation of MDC in 1999.
