Five members of the Chivasa Family in Makotore Village, Bikita, were severely assaulted by Zanu PF militia led by war veterans at the weekend. Madock Chivasa is the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) national spokesperson as well as the Youth Forum board chairperson

Thirty 37 attackers arrived at the homestead on Saturday while the family was preparing to have supper; the ordered all the occupants of the house to come outside on the pretext that they wanted to have a meeting with them.
When Chivasas refused to come out, the attackers threatened to burn the occupants inside and eventually broke the door using an axe.

They were assaulted with an assortment of weapons being used including logs, shamboks and whips.
Among those who were assaulted was 60 year-old Teverai Chivasa, an aunt to Madock Chivasa.

This is the second time that the homestead has been attacked in the post-election violence that that is being encouraged by Robert Mugabe and the commanders of the Army, Air Force, Intelligence Services and police.

The same group of attackers had earlier in April burned down two huts at the homestead as punishment after accusing the family members of aiding the winning house of assembly candidate for Bikita West Heya Shoko who represented the MDC.

A distraught Madock said all those who are committing acts of violence against innocent people in Bikita should not go unpunished.

A Youth Forum spokesperson said the forum though the attacks were contemptible

“The attacks are a clearly coordinated move meant to cow opposition supporters and sympathizers ahead of the presidential run-off election which Zanu PF are hoping to win on the back of violent reprisals on the people,” said the spokesperson.

To date, more than fifty people have died, while thousands more have been injured, maimed or displaced in the state sponsored violence unleashed on civilians in an operation code-named ‘Mavhotera papi’ (who did you vote for).
The Youth Forum further urges the people of Bikita and all Zimbabweans to remain resilient in the face of such trying times.

“The darkest hour is indeed before dawn and the hour for Zanu PF to relinquish power is definitely coming. The Youth Forum also reminds those perpetrating violence that they too shall be judged accordingly for all the untold suffering they have caused to the people of Zimbabwe.”

To give solidarity to Madock Chivasa, he can be contacted on the following numbers +263 912 904 492, +263 23 854 737