Political Violence Resurfaces in Zimbabwe's Masvingo Province

Political violence has resurfaced in Masvingo Province where a homestead belonging to a well-known supporter of the Movement for Democratic Change formation of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was Wednesday set on fire by suspected Zanu PF functionaries.

The homestead belonging to Tongai Gava of Uzeze Village, Masvingo central constituency, was razed to the ground resulting in the loss of property worth thousands of dollars.

Villagers in the area have since appealed to the government to end polarization that has gripped the local community ahead of a constitutional referendum expected this year.

They said the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committe (JOMIC) has failed to end political hostilities among supporters of different political parties.

Villagers said Gava had a heated debate at a local beer drink with Zanu PF supporters over Zimbabwe's improved economy which he attributed to his party.

The irate suppoters of President Robert Mugabe's party accused the MDC of being a puppet of the West.

Report By Obert Pepukai

Masvingo central lawmaker Jeffryson Chitando said the situation is now tense in the area following the incident.

Uzeze villager Ranganai Mutubuki condemned the attack saying JOMIC should play a key role in addressing such incidents.

"The problem in Zimbabwe is that there are some people who are being protected by law enforcement agents to such an extent that when you make a polcie report, you end up being arrested for no apparent reason," said Mutubuki.