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MDC supporters beaten up in Zaka
The group of youths were kidnapped at around 6:30 pm Saturday from a shopping center at a growth point in the rural Zaka East constituency, about 120 kilometers south east of the provincial capital Masvingo, a regional Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesman told The Zimbabwean.
MDC reported the incident to the Jerera Police Post, who refused to open a docket in the case.
"The youths who have been kidnapped are believed to have been taken to a Zanu (PF) torture camp," said the spokesperson. Police officials were not reachable for comment.
At least four people were severely beaten in three separate incidents with axes, spears, iron bars and sticks, he said. They were beaten for supporting the MDC or for having relatives who supported the opposition party, he added.
The weeks of campaigning have been marred by similar violence in the rural constituency. Police have set roadblocks leading into Zaka East, and on the mostly dirt country roads within the constituency.
The election is the latest test for President Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu (PF) party, pitted against the eight-year-old MDC, which is expected to give him a tough challenge in presidential polls due in March next year.
The Nomination Court accepting candidates to run in the poll is expected to sit on Friday, while the inspection of the voters roll closes today (Thursday).
The by-election was called after the death of Tinos Rusere, a Parliamentarian and deputy minister who was responsible for Mines.
The constituency suffered some of the worst violence ahead of the 2005 Parliamentary election, which left several people dead and scores others tortured around the country, according to rights groups.
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