Female Zanu (PF) youths a terror

Female Zanu (PF) youths were trained to terrorise suspected MDC supporters in the run up to June 27, 2008 presidential elections, and some lived to tell the tale of attacks at their hands. (Pictured: – Inspirational MDC-T supporter Betty Amidu Kachichidza.)

Marondera resident and MDC-T supporter, Betty Amidu Kachichidza (42), explained how she narrowly escaped death at the hands of a female Zanu (PF) thug.
“It was one night in 2002 when I was asleep in my house in Dombotombo. I was woken up by a loud noise from people forcing my door open. My children were asleep in the room.
“To save my children from imminent death, I went to the room to challenge and possibly fight off the thugs. A group of youths numbering more than 50 including Garikayi Nyamakombo and Juliet Kanchito of 42 Kuwe Street, grabbed and whisked me to a nearby truck.

Salt in her wounds

“They started beating me up. Juliet Kanchito hit me with a sharp metal object on the head, legs and arms. I lost consciousness and they drove me to Dombotombo dam, where they intended to dump me. They rubbed salt into my wounds, to increase pain. I had never experienced or heard about such inhumane brutality.

“Meanwhile, one of my tenants, Tendayi Nyamuzhira, had rushed to report the incident to MDC-T ward chairperson, Johannes Razunguza. Razunguza and Nyamuzhira in the company of other party activists braved the danger and came to my rescue. The thugs fled leaving me for dead.

“Nyamuzinga and other sympathizes, rushed me to Borrowdale hospital for treatment. Given my critical condition, I was transferred to Harare for specialist treatment. I was admitted to hospital for several months because part of my brain was damaged. My hands and legs were badly hit by what appeared to be a machete. I could not believe females could be so heartless and dangerous.

“During my stay in hospital, Nyamuzhira, whom I regard as my hero, took care of my children. She provided them with food and other requirements. May god bless her with long life. I also owe my life to councillor Razunguza and other party activists who selflessly saved me.

“I was discharged from hospital in a wheel chair. My body was paralyzed. I later walked with the aid of clutches. No one believed I would walk again. My right arm remains supported with some metal devices from within. Sympathy from fellow MDC-T supporters and my belief in the struggle for democracy, gave me strength and hope. I remain convinced that dictatorship is about to fall and democracy will prevail in the country.

Freedom from tyranny

“Since I have gained fitness, I am back in the trenches fighting for democracy. The struggle for freedom from tyranny is my life. Nothing will scare me off from the justified and worthy cause.

“MDC-T as a caring people’s party is doing its best to ensure my family has food on the table. Though I do not expect to be rewarded for participating in the people’s struggle, I would like to commend President Morgan Tsvangirai and his elected officials at all levels, for acknowledging our contribution and sacrifices in the fight against dictatorship.

“My assailants, Juliet, Garikai and others continue to roam about scot-free. I hope the national healing process will run its full course. Perpetrators of violence must face justice, if the national healing exercise is to bring any lasting solutions to political polarization in the country”.

Perpetrators of violence such as Garikai continue to threaten Betty with death. Just last week, Garikai reminded her at Tutani Shops that she would be attacked again if she did not shift her political allegiance to Zanu (PF). Despite the threats, she remains a permanent and outstanding figure at MDC-T gatherings around the province. Like any other MDC-T supporter, Betty is calling on people to exercise restraint and political tolerance as they prepare the constitution and eventual elections. She has confidence that MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai, Senators, Members of Parliament and councillors will romp to a resounding victory.