By Wezhira Munya

 

Justice delayed is justice denied.

Mr. Felix Mashavele, who is the Citizens Coalition for Change point person in Mwenezi North Ward 7, was kidnapped, assaulted, and had his two cellphones and $300 USD stolen by the perpetrators.

Mashavele demands that the police officers arrest the Zanu-PF members who abducted and tortured him.  He resides near Kuwirana School.

 

 

He was abducted at Mushava Business Centre on 6th July 2023 by Zanu-PF aspiring candidate of Mwenezi North, Master Makope, who is also the current Member of Parliament, Elvanos Dube (a war veteran and FAZ member), Police Constable July Sithole, Solomon Chauke, and Fanuel Masunda.

 

The above-mentioned perpetrators blindfolded him, poured cold water, and sand in his eyes, and severely beat him. He was forced into a Zanu-PF branded car currently being used by Makopa, according to Mr. Mapepa.

 

They left him for dead in Stonol Ranch around 7 pm after torturing him for two hours. They also stole his two cellphones and $300 USD. He was then rescued by a good Samaritan who took him to Rutenga Police Station at 11 pm.

 

Unfortunately, the police at Rutenga  were unable to assist him due to the late hour. The case against the perpetrators was reported on 7th July 2023: RRB No. 5556722, REF CR: 36/07/23. The case was received by Constable Chitope of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Rutenga. Due to the severity of the case, it was transferred to Masvingo Law and Order, and the following police officers are handling the matter: detectives Chapangu and Chandigere.

 

However, the police officers have not arrested the five known accused persons, according to Mr. Mashavele.

 

As a result, Mr. Mashavele has instructed his lawyer, Derrick Charamba of Ndlovu and Hwacha, to ascertain why the police are not arresting the five accused persons seven days after the case was reported.

Human rights lawyer Advocate Charamba writes to the police, “It has been brought to our attention that despite the alleged perpetrators being known and identified, no arrests have been made.”

In addition, Advocate Charamba states, “Our client has become anxious about the manner in which the matter is being handled.”

 

Mr. Mashavele is concerned that the police are failing to arrest Zanu-PF members. Therefore, Advocate Charamba writes to the police, “We are instructed, as we do hereby, to ascertain the position of the above-mentioned case and verify with you whether the alleged accused persons have indeed not been arrested.”

There are perspectives from many Zimbabweans that police officials are afraid to arrest Zanu-PF members.

In Masvingo, Bikita South police have yet to arrest Zanu-PF aspiring Member of Parliament, Energy Mutodi, after he fired two gunshots towards CCC members at the Baradzamwa rally.

 

In Gutu South, police have not yet arrested known Zanu-PF members who kidnapped and severely assaulted CCC members attending President Chamisa’s rally at Maungwa growth point.

This selective application of the law against CCC members has led to an escalation of violence by Zanu-PF members against CCC members.