Former MP Demands Explanation From Council Over ZANU PF Fake Rallies
Former Member of Parliament for Masvingo Central, Jeffreyson Chitando (MDC), has requested Masvingo City Council to furnish him with receipts to prove that ZANU PF had booked its two grounds for its scheduled rallies that never took place.
Chitando wrote to the Masvingo town clerk and the mayor and gave the duo five days to provide proof that ZANU PF had indeed paid for the use of Mucheke and Mamutse stadiums.
This comes after the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) was denied use of the stadiums on the basis that ZANU PF had already booked them for its rallies. Wrote Chitando:
I understand that the procedure for applying for a rally is that a political party first seeks clearance from your office if the proposed venue is free for use.
The police in their letter of disproving CCC application was that Masvingo City Council stadiums were booked by ZANU PF.
In this regard as a citizen, resident and ratepayer of Masvingo City Council I am demanding full proof of payment of both stadiums by the mentioned political party.
… Town Clerk, if the above subject is not solved in an amicable manner we will take legal action, until council act positively.
This issue has to be acted by council in less than five working days, meaning on 31 March we will issue a statement to Masvingo residents and ratepayers.
Chitando also said that if the council wasn’t paid for the facilities, the revenue lost should be paid by whoever blocked CCC from booking the venues.
ZANU PF didn’t hold the rallies at Mamutse and Mucheke on Sunday 20 March and the grounds were instead used for hosting football matches.
ZANU PF Masvingo Provincial spokesperson, Ophias Murambiwa said they couldn’t hold the rallies because they had to sort out some issues first.
He said the rallies were going to be held this week after the chairman and provincial leadership had met and deliberated on the issue.
