Opposition politicians and activists remember the late ZANU PF official and Cabinet minister, Chenhamo Chekazhe Chen Chimutengwende, for his alleged role in orchestrating violence during the contentious 2000 election period.
Chimutengwende, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 81 after a prolonged battle with kidney disease, was declared a national hero.
However, opposition politician Elliot Pfebve claimed that Chimutengwende was involved in a violent attack on MDC supporters in Mashonaland Central province during the intense 2000 election campaign.
Pfebve alleged that ZANU PF supporters, wearing campaign T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Wako Ndewako Che,” attacked a rally, armed with machetes, knobkerries, and iron bars. Said Pfebve (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200037186/chimutengwendes-dark-past-revealed">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
They started attacking indiscriminately, even the police were surprised and caught unaware.
I immediately pulled my licensed pistol to scare them and save the defenceless people under attack.
The police asked me to fire in the air, which worked, scattering the attackers.
</blockquote>
Pfebve said that the violence left dozens injured, prompting his team to transport the victims to Howard Hospital in Chiweshe for treatment.
He alleged that the attack had been premeditated the day before when Chimutengwende reportedly gave ZANU PF youths Z$7,000 to disrupt the MDC rally.
Following the incident, eight ZANU PF supporters were arrested and appeared in court on February 23, 2000.
However, Pfebve claimed that Chimutengwende, along with other senior officials such as the late Border Gezi, interfered with the judicial process.
The suspects, including Chimutengwende’s brother, were granted bail and never prosecuted. From then on, ZANU PF activists allegedly began targeting the opposition with impunity.
Chimutengwende was a prominent figure in Zimbabwean politics, known for his eloquence and his contributions to the liberation struggle.
He began his political career at age 14 in Highfield, Harare, and in 1963 became secretary for information and publicity in the ZANU PF Youth League. He completed his military training in Ghana in 1964.
After Zimbabwe’s independence, he was appointed ZANU PF provincial chairperson for Mashonaland Central in 1986, a position he held for 17 years.
Chimutengwende served in various government roles for 14 years and was a member of parliament for 23 years until 2008.
He held ministerial positions in the Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications; Ministry of Environment and Tourism; and the Ministry of Public and Interactive Affairs in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
Despite his long political career, Chimutengwende’s legacy remains highly divisive. Allegations of his involvement in suppressing opposition voices and benefiting from controversial government programs overshadow his accomplishments.
In July 2020, Chimutengwende was listed in the BSR (Big Saturday Read by Alex Magaisa) of 18 July 2020 as a beneficiary of the 2007 RBZ Farm Mechanisation Scheme, part of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme.
According to the report, he received a loan of US$98,780 under the controversial scheme, which was never repaid, and the burden was ultimately passed on to taxpayers.

Pindula News

The late ZANU PF official and Cabinet minister, Chen Chimutengwende, is remembered by opposition politicians and activists for his alleged role in orchestrating violence during the 2000 election period in Zimbabwe. Chimutengwende, who passed away at 81, was declared a national hero despite these allegations. It is claimed that he was involved in a violent attack on MDC supporters, where ZANU PF youths armed with weapons disrupted a rally. Though some suspects were arrested, including Chimutengwende's brother, they were granted bail and never prosecuted, leading to increased impunity against the opposition. Chimutengwende's political career was long and distinguished, but allegations of suppressing opposition voices and benefiting from controversial government programs tarnish his legacy.

Opposition Remembers Chimutengwende For Alleged Role In 2000 Election Violence

Chenhamo Chakezha Chen Chimutengwende, a former cabinet minister and ZANU PF National Consultative Assembly member, died on Thursday around 5 PM, at 81.
ZANU PF Mashonaland Central chairman Kazembe Kazembe confirmed the former legislator’s death on Thursday to <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/cde-chen-chimutengwende-dies/">ZBC News</a>.
Kazembe described Chimutengwende’s death as a sad loss to the people of Mazowe, Mashonaland Central Province, and the nation. He said:
<blockquote>
I heard the news of Cde Chimutengwende’s passing on from a family member. It is a big loss for the people of Mazowe, the province and the entire nation.
We considered him a pillar, a uniting force who did great things for Mazowe, the province, and the nation.
He was probably the longest-serving legislator in the province after serving for more than 20 years. He also served as a senator for one or two terms.
He did a lot of work in Mazowe, from building schools to spearheading the tarring of roads, particularly the road from Glendale to Bare.
</blockquote>
His son, Tawanda Chimutengwende, told The Herald that his father had chronic kidney disease.
Self-exiled former cabinet minister and ZANU PF Politburo member, Saviour Kasukuwere, posted on X:
<blockquote>
Chenhamo Chedu ‘Chazorora’ Chimutengwende…He came, he saw and he conquered. You played your part in the struggle and development of your country. RIP Mhofu. Chiweshe Was Chen! RIP Muzukuru.
</blockquote>
Chimutengwende began his political career at the age of 14 in Highfield, Harare. In 1963, he became secretary for information and publicity in the ZANU PF Youth League and completed his military training in Ghana in 1964.
After Zimbabwe’s independence, he was appointed ZANU PF provincial chairperson for Mashonaland Central in 1986, a position he held for 17 years.
Chimutengwende served in various government roles for 14 years and was a member of parliament for 23 years, until 2008.
He held ministerial positions in the following ministries: Information, Posts and Telecommunications; Environment and Tourism; and Public and Interactive Affairs in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
In July 2020, Chimutengwende was listed in the BSR (Big Saturday Read by Alex Magaisa) of 18 July 2020 as a beneficiary of the 2007 RBZ Farm Mechanisation Scheme, which was part of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme.
He is listed under the “Politicians” category and, according to the report, received a loan of US$98,780 under the controversial scheme. The loan was never repaid, and the burden was ultimately placed on taxpayers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chen Chimutengwende, a former Zimbabwean government official, has passed away at 81. He served in various roles for many years and was well-loved in his community. He started his political career when he was just 14. He had chronic kidney disease. Some people have paid tribute to him on social media. He was also involved in a controversial loan scheme. His death is a big loss for his country.

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