By Wezhira Munya
Mr. Witness Moyo, the Citizens Coalition for Change [CCC] candidate for Bubi Ward 6, is being victimized by Zanu PF members. Bubi Ward 6 is in Matebeleland North.
Mr. Moyo is one of the few candidates with disabilities from all political parties in Zimbabwe who are contesting in the 23rd August 2023 harmonized elections.
Ms. Senzeni Maphosa, a CCC National youth taskforce member, strongly condemned the violence by Zanu-PF against Mr. Moyo.
The CCC party has many candidates with disabilities representing it in 2023 compared to all other parties in Zimbabwe, commented Mrs. Mugidho, who aspires to represent CCC in Masvingo as a Proportional Representative in parliament.
Due to the unbearable intimidation against him and his family by Zanu PF, CCC candidate Mr. Moyo is now experiencing psychological trauma out of fear of being killed or beaten by Zanu PF members, said Mrs. Gugulethu Mabhena.
Mr. Moyo said, “I have been traumatized by Zanu PF members in Bubi. They are verbally attacking me and threatening me with death. I am constantly living in fear.”
There is a need to protect persons [candidates] with disabilities before and after harmonized elections, said a top representative of an organization that leads persons with disabilities, Mr. Henry Chivhanga.
There is a need for full representation of people with disabilities in council and parliamentary spaces. However, violence negatively affects this agenda.
Dr. Tarisayi, a political analyst, said, “If violence against CCC member Mr. Moyo, who is living with disabilities, escalates, he may prefer to withdraw his candidature. This will affect the representation of persons with disabilities in his ward. In addition, it will make Zanu PF win this ward uncontested.”
He [Dr. Tarisayi] proposed that CCC leaders in Matebeleland North should provide emotional, social, financial, and political support to Mr. Moyo in these difficult moments.
On 26th July 2023, Zanu PF Gutu South members abducted and severely assaulted CCC members, namely: Ezeckle Hwerekwere, David Mushoriwa, and Molevaleng, said CCC Gutu member Mr. Mafudze.
The three CCC members were abducted in ward 24, Gutu South, near Chiwara turnoff.
They [CCC members] were beaten, tortured, and released.
