By Wezhira Munya
In a concerning development in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, four individuals closely associated with President Nelson Chamisa were arrested yesterday morning.
The four – Ward 9 Councillor Bernard Muchokwa, Ward 4 proportional representative Councillor Esther Zishiri, Jona Wakurawarehwa of Rujeko ward 8, and Struggle Desire Nyahunda of Rujeko ward 7 – were taken into custody by the Masvingo CID Law and Order department.
According to the police, the four were accused of causing violence and disrupting a public hearing on the controversial PVO (Private Voluntary Organizations) Bill, which was being held at the Charles Austin Theatre in Masvingo on 16th May 2024.
The PVO Bill has been a major point of contention, with critics arguing that it is an attempt by the government to curtail the activities of non-governmental organizations.
However, video footage obtained by local media outlets such as Masvingo Mirror, TellZim, and Change Radio, appears to contradict the police’s version of events. The footage shows that the violence was actually orchestrated by well-known Zanu PF youth members, casting doubt on the impartiality of the authorities in their handling of the situation.
Interestingly, this public hearing on PVO in Masvingo was being chaired by Masvingo Zanu PF provincial chairperson and Senator Robson Mavhenyengwa. Many political analysts said that Senator Mavhenyengwa was conflicted in chairing this meeting and should have recused himself.
Advocate Martin Mureri, a top human rights lawyer and the Masvingo urban member of parliament, intervened on behalf of the four accused individuals. Mureri, who was also representing another Chamisa ally, Mr. Tineye Mapepa, in a separate case in Mwenezi, successfully secured the release of Muchokwa, Zishiri, Nyahunda, and Wakurawarehwa from police custody.
In the case of Wakurawarehwa, the warned and cautioned statement signed by him alleges that he is accused of “continuously switching the lights in the Charles Austin Theatre on and off during the PVO hearing.” However, the video footage indicates that Wakurawarehwa was sitting far away from the light switches, casting further doubt on the police’s claims.
Moreover, Wakurawarehwa’s leg was injured by Zanu PF members during the violent incident, and he received treatment at the Masvingo General Hospital. Medical reports documenting his injury are being used as evidence to support his case.
Nyahunda and Councillors Zishiri and Muchokwa have all denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they did not disrupt the PVO Bill public hearing. Advocate Mureri has stated that the four individuals will appear in court soon, once the police have completed their investigations.
This incident has raised concerns about the impartiality of the justice system in Masvingo and Zimbabwe as a whole. The partisan application of the law, with the authorities seemingly targeting President Chamisa’s supporters while overlooking the actions of Zanu PF members, has fueled accusations of political persecution.
As the case unfolds, it will be crucial for the courts to carefully examine the evidence and ensure that justice is served, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic processes and the rule of law.
