Villagers in Nyanga and Binga have been warned by Zanu (PF) militias that their limbs will be cut off if they fail to attend the party's meetings.

Movement for Democratic Change Organising Secretary for Binga District, Garisa Moyo, told Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition on Monday: "Councilors are being threatened with having their arms cut off, for not attending meetings organized by Zanu (PF) activists. The big challenge is that the police are now involved in these activities."

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition spoke to people from Chungu and Lusulu areas in Binga North under chiefs, Simupa, Sinakatenge and Sinamusanga, who had reportedly come under siege from the three traditional leaders who have been enlisted by Zanu (PF) to work with its coercive party activists to force villagers to attend the party's meetings.

"Villagers who fail to attend the meetings are allegedly being overtly threatened with having their limbs cut off by the Zanu (PF) militias," said the report.

Those who spoke to the Crisis Report said this was a reminder of the infamous "short and long sleeve" campaign whereby many people had their arms and or legs cut off during the violent June 2008 presidential election run-off by Zanu (PF) militias across the country.

Source: Radio VOP