Violence in Zimbabwe’s villages imperils hope of smooth elections | Features

Shurugwi, Zimbabwe – Shepherd Mahove became homeless on Saturday.

Six homesteads, including his, in Hanke B Village in Zimbabwe’s Midlands province, were razed to the ground by unknown arsonists, less than a week before a crucial presidential vote in the Southern African nation.

Rifling through the scant remains of his kitchen, the 48-year-old farmer surveys the damaged home. Buckets, food, and water containers were all charred in the fire. In the other room, blankets and two beds were scorched to ash.

The incident took place while Mahove and his wife were attending the final campaign…