Tichaona Sibanda, "ZANU PF militias back in action in rural areas," Zimbabwe News, July 2, 2009.

There are reports suggesting ZANU PF backed militias have been reactivated to play a pivotal role in mobilising people in rural areas to actively participate in the constitution making process. While they might have ‘laid down’ their weapons, their mere presence has raised tensions and fears that they might be resuming the type of violence that plagued the MDC during last year’s presidential elections.

Our correspondent Simon Muchemwa told us most militias have been deployed in areas where the MDC made major inroads in last year’s polls. He said Zanu PF fears if its supporters do not participate in the reform exercise, the consequences could be dire for the party. "Already there have been skirmishes involving these militias and officials from the MDC in Mutare, Masvingo and some parts of Mashonaland central.

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