Villagers desert homes due to violence in Zimbabwe

By Mahlatse Gallens
The extent of the violence over the past three months in Zimbabwe is slowly being revealed. Many rural villagers have fled their homesteads.

Reports of torture, rape and beatings in the run-up to Friday's poll are widespread. Many people now face an uncertain future.

There are signs of rampant destruction - some homes have been reduced to ashes and their owners are in hiding.
In the heart of Manicaland province, some homes stand deserted -- others have been torched. Residents are still terrified and say they were intimidated.

This part of rural Zimbabwe has been shaken to its core and the peace shattered.