October 20, 2003
Following broadcast by SW RADIO AFRICA of stories about Chipangano receiving sponsorship from Zanu-Pf, in-house squabbles have become the order of the day as young members claim that they have never received any payment since joining the group in year 2000.
Stanford Nhau (known as Taribo West), a prominent Dynamo's and Warrior's supporter and Chipangango leader has faced the brunt of their anger. He lost property worth thousands of dollars last weekend in a fire that destroyed his canteen behind Njere Inopa Sadza restaurant in Mbare. Some angry Chipangano members, who claim that Nhau, who is Inspector Nhau's son, had swindled their group of cash meant for them, allegedly started the fire. Nhau was making at least $ 50,000.00 on a daily basis at Mbare Musika where he receives some produce from farmers and sells them on their behalf. He would pocket the daily difference
Chipangano, a Zanu-pf terror group which was formed in 2000 during the farm invasions was meant to work like the police reserves during the Presidential Elections campaigns, spearheading support for the ruling party. The group was also supposed to sweep clean, rooting out all known anti-Zanu-Pf elements from Mbare after MDC's win of the parliamentary seat in the constituency in the 2000 elections.
The group lost direction when Zanu-Pf introduced the issue of payment to the members. The money would come through the police and Zanu-Pf ranks until it reached the final benefiaries but unfortunately the majority of the group members are claiming that they never received any payment ever since joining the group in year 2000. As a result, most members of Chipangano have resorted to criminal activities, which they carry out with impunity. The police cannot do anything to these youngsters because they have received cash, which was meant for Chipangano in the first place.
Desperation has slowly crept into the Chipangano as some senior members became instantly rich. The likes of Stanford Nhau (Taribo West) bulldozed their way becoming indigenous business people because they could control activities at Mbare Msika market. They close the market and shops in Mbare whenever there are state functions. However some young members are opting to leave because of the ongoing differences within the group.
"When I joined Chipangano I thought all we were supposed to do was rally for Zanu-pf during the elections, I had no idea there was some money involved until I heard of it on SW RADIO AFRICA, during these last few months. I felt cheated by both Zanu-Pf and Chipangano because I never received one cent from them. I was ordered to do dirty jobs in the name of Zanu-Pf and each time I asked for payment I was told to take what I wanted from MDC supporters. I was so afraid to do anything like that but now I have lost everything, my life, family and friends. Although the police could not arrest us I have no peace of mind, what I did was wrong,"" complained a young member of Chipangano.