By Wezhira Munya
With just 17 days remaining until the harmonized elections in Zimbabwe, Bikita East is marred by a disturbing escalation of violence perpetrated by Zanu PF and Forever Associates of Zimbabwe [FAZ] members against CCC members.
On August 4, 2023, a youth member of the CCC, Mr. Liberty Mufundirwa, was abducted and subjected to severe assault by members of Zanu PF and FAZ. Mr. Zebroni, an aspiring councillor of the CCC, reported this incident. Liberty recounted that he was attacked by a group of Zanu PF members, sustaining injuries to his arm, head, and other parts of his body. He received medical treatment at a private hospital.
Simultaneously, on the same day as Liberty’s attack, five female CCC supporters in Bikita West also fell victim to torture at the hands of Zanu PF and FAZ members. Despite the ordeal they endured, these women have chosen not to reveal their identities, fearing further victimization.
Furthermore, they refrained from reporting the incident to the police due to concerns over potential harassment from both the police and Zanu PF.
Mr. Struggle Desire Nyahunda, commenting on the violent acts perpetuated by Zanu PF in Bikita East, emphasized, “Zanu-PF members are terrorizing CCC members here in Bikita East. The police must apprehend these Zanu PF thugs who are involved in the abduction and assault of CCC members.”
CCC’s aspiring member of parliament for Bikita East, Mr. Bonface Mudzingwa, also condemned the actions of Zanu PF and FAZ members, highlighting their assault on CCC members within his constituency.
A few weeks prior, Zanu PF members from Bikita East destroyed eight solar-powered boreholes with an estimated value of $51,000, which were originally drilled by CCC’s aspiring candidate, Mr. Mudzingwa. These damaged boreholes were subsequently repaired by Mr. Mudzingwa, providing the community with access to clean and safe water.
In another concerning development, Zanu PF and FAZ members in Bikita East are systematically dismantling campaign posters of CCC President Nelson Chamisa, along with those of CCC members of Parliament and councillors.
CCC’s Ms. Vimbai Mavherudze issued a stern call, “Zanu-PF members must cease their violent actions against CCC members immediately. We demand a setting of free, fair, and non-violent conditions for the upcoming elections.”
