Bikita West ZANU-PF Members Unleash Violence Against CCC Members

By Wezhira Munya

ZANU-PF members in Bikita West are engaging in acts of violence and intimidation against members of the Citizens Coalition for Change [CCC]. The situation in Bikita West has escalated to the point of resembling a war zone, as ZANU-PF members have targeted and attacked innocent CCC members, according to Mr. John Mupanduki.

On August 3, 2023, Bikita West ZANU-PF members brutally assaulted Mr. Chitsidzo Makaya, a 50-year-old CCC member. Similarly, on the same day, ZANU-PF members from Bikita West launched a violent attack on Mr. Ronald Tausa, a 21-year-old youth member of the CCC.

Both of the aforementioned CCC members sought medical treatment at Silveira Hospital.

Please refer to the attached image which depicts a 50-year-old CCC member who was assaulted by ZANU-PF members in Bikita West at the end of this article.

Mr. John Mupanduki, a CCC member from Bikita West, reported that the victims promptly filed a complaint with the Bikita Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Mr. Makaya shared his experience, stating, “I was subjected to a brutal beating by ZANU-PF members using their bare hands, sjamboks, and logs, resulting in injuries all over my body. I experienced extreme pain and sought immediate medical attention at Silveira Hospital after managing to escape.”

Mr. Tausa, a CCC youth member, recounted the harrowing incident, saying, “ZANU-PF members physically forced me to the ground and subjected me to a severe beating. The pain is excruciating, and I am struggling to sit comfortably. I lodged a formal complaint at the Bikita police station and received medical care.”

Among the identified perpetrators who inflicted torture upon the two CCC members were Tichaona Mandebvu, Takunda Gwari, Trust Badza, and Trust Madhosi. Shockingly, these known assailants remain at large and have yet to face arrest.

Moreover, ZANU-PF members in Bikita West have been systematically tearing down CCC campaign posters. This act is in direct violation of the law and constitutes a grave offense. Despite the illegality of such actions, the police have yet to apprehend the ZANU-PF members responsible for the destruction of CCC posters in Bikita West and throughout the country.