By Wezhira Munya

 

Armed Masvingo riot police fired tear gas today to disperse over 45,000 strong supporters of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), who had gathered at Mamutse Stadium.

 

(Attached is a video taken by Wezhira Munya on behalf of Change Radio, showing police firing tear gas to disperse peaceful citizens.)

 

The police were armed with baton sticks, guns, and police dogs.

 

President Nelson Chamisa, in his address, acknowledged that the Masvingo urban rally was one of the best-attended rallies.

 

Although this rally had been cleared by the police, it was ultimately disrupted by them.

 

Over 100 armed police, under the command of Mrs. Chipfakacha, disrupted the rally. They fired tear gas immediately after President Nelson Chamisa finished addressing the bumper crowd.

 

Police attempted to stop President Chamisa while he was still addressing the citizens. However, the citizens ensured that the police allowed President Chamisa to complete his speech.

 

After the police fired tear gas at the citizens, there was commotion as people ran in different directions. Elderly people, those with disabilities, heart and chest conditions, among others, were greatly affected by the tear gas.

 

Some people fainted, vomited, and cried due to the effects of the tear gas. Seventeen CCC members are currently receiving treatment at a private medical center after being affected by the tear gas.

 

Even election observers were affected by the tear gas.

 

The police further fired tear gas at houses near Mamutse Stadium, namely Old Railways and Sisk houses. The tear gas fired at the houses choked and affected the residents who were sitting inside.

 

Masvingo urban aspiring member of parliament, Advocate Martin Mureri, said, “My heart bleeds after seeing thousands of peaceful citizens getting affected by tear gas smoke. I am heartbroken by the police’s decision to fire tear gas.”

 

Some citizens were injured as they ran away from the tear gas.

 

Mr. Isaac Chuma, who attended the rally, condemned police brutality and the firing of tear gas at innocent citizens.

 

The high turnout of over 45,000 Masvingo urban citizens has sent shockwaves through the Masvingo urban Zanu-PF camp.

 

It will be a miracle for Zanu-PF to win council and parliamentary seats in Masvingo urban.

 

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