Opposition People’s Unity Party (PUP) leader Herbert Chamuka has accused ruling Zanu PF structures of launching a coordinated crackdown against his party's community initiatives in Matenda village, Ward 4 under Runde Rural District Council (RRDC).
The alleged interference reached a boiling point last week following the abrupt stoppage of a local bridge construction project meant to assist villagers in crossing a treacherous, flood-prone river ahead of the impending rainy season.
Speaking to NewsDay, Chamuka condemned the development, describing it as a deliberate move to sabotage grassroots development for political expediency.
“This is no longer about development; it is about silencing anyone outside Zanu PF who tries to help the people,” Chamuka said.
Chamuka revealed that Zanu PF insiders tipped him off regarding opposition within local party ranks to his philanthropic work, claiming ruling party figures feared losing political ground in the district.
Villagers, who spoke on condition of anonymity citing safety concerns, pointed fingers at Ward 4 Councillor Nancy Netsai Bhachi, accusing her of inciting local resistance against the infrastructure project on grounds that an opposition leader was funding it.
Keep Reading
- Take Money clinches sponsorship deal
- SA based politician Chamuka forms new party
- SA based politician Chamuka forms new party
- ZANU PF has unleashed a reign of terror – opposition leader claims.
Beneficiaries of Chamuka’s recent donations in the area also reported receiving threats from local party enforcers.
“People are living in fear,” Chamuka added. “They accepted aid intended to uplift the community, but now they are being intimidated by individuals they are terrified to name.”
A local resident confirmed the tense atmosphere, stating that Zanu PF members explicitly warned villagers against accepting opposition-sponsored initiatives, promising instead that “the ruling party would take care of everything.”
When contacted for comment, Councillor Bhachi declined to address the allegations directly and referred all inquiries to council executive leadership.
“The topic you are talking about is a council subject, dear. The one and only person who answers questions on behalf of the council is the CEO, Mr Moyo G. He will furnish you with all the information you want to know,” Bhachi said.
However, RRDC chief executive officer Gordon Moyo similarly declined to comment, delegating the matter to an unnamed council official. The official subsequently refused to give details, stating: “We will have a meeting and can only comment after that.”
Pressed to identify himself on a virtual platform, the official insisted: “I’m not in an interview, my brother, I’m sorry. No comment so far until we are done with the meeting.”
Chamuka, who hails from Matenda village under Chief Mapfumo, maintained that his community development drive was strictly non-partisan.
“I am not trying to lure people into PUP. I am trying to ensure children cross rivers safely and stay away from drugs, but everything we do is being blocked,” he argued.
The escalating political conflict comes at a time when communities across Zvishavane and Mberengwa continue to face severe infrastructural deficits, with dilapidated bridges leaving villages isolated during heavy rains.
Matenda residents expressed frustration over being caught in political crossfire, emphasizing the vital nature of the project.
“We just want to cross the river. Nothing else,” one villager lamented. “We want our children to go to school safely without risking their lives in flooded rivers. We also lose community members who fall sick during the rainy season because they cannot cross to reach nearby health facilities.”
Meanwhile, in a separate development on Sunday, police shut down the Chamuka Soccer Tournament in Makoni, Manicaland, which the PUP leader said was part of his nationwide campaign against youth drug and substance abuse.
“Officers from Nyazura Police ordered the games to stop,” Chamuka stated. “All my efforts to help the youth are being thwarted. We organized this tournament to keep children away from drugs, but instead of supporting us, they shut it down.”