By Wezhira Munya
…. As pro-Chamisa lieutenant in Hwange Central Promise Munkuli Remanded in custody on allegations he is planning to demonstrate on SADC Summit [attached is picture of Munkuli]
The security of pro-Chamisa Director of Organizing Farai is under threat after unmarked vehicles with unknown men visited his rural and urban homes in Masvingo West, seeking his whereabouts.
Contacted for comment, Director Farai said, “I received a mesage from an unregistered number threatening my life.”
Top human rights lawyer and Masvingo Urban member of parliament honourable Martin Mureri, strongly condemned the hunting of Director Farai. He said, Director Farai is not a fugitive.
According to Farai’s neighbor Mr Peter Makusha , who lives near his properties, five men in dark suits arrived in the unmarked vehicles and inquired about Farai’s location.
Mr Makusha said, he managed to take the pictures of men who visited Mr Farai’s houses. But he did not give the writer the pictures.
“They came to both his rural and urban houses, but we told them that Farai is currently in Harare where he works,” his neighbor Makusha narrated.
Mr Farai can be reached on his mobile phone , he is a law abiding citizens.
In addition, he said. “The men did not identify themselves, which is concerning.”
The incident has raised fears that Farai, a prominent figure of pro-Chamisa members, may be targeted for abduction, assault, or other forms of intimidation. In recent months, several pro-Chamisa leaders have been arrested, tortured, and harassed by authorities.
Just this week, pro-Chamisa Hwange Central lieutenant Promise Munkuli was sent to remand prison by a Hwange magistrate. Munkuli was arrested on Saturday, August 3, on allegations of planning to demonstrate and incite violence during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, where Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to assume the rotating chairmanship.
The magistrate ruled that Munkuli be held in remand prison until his court appearance on 19th August 2024.
A few days ago, pro-Chamisa Hwange Central member of parliament and top human rights lawyer Daniel Molekele was also arrested, but was released the same day.
Another pro-Chamisa member in Hwange, Bryne Nyoni, is also wanted by the police in connection with the alleged planned demonstrations during the SADC summit. Nyoni has denied any involvement in the proposed protests.
The incidents highlight the worsening political environment in Zimbabwe, where the government is accused of cracking down on dissent and opposition voices.
Analysts fear that the harassment and targeting of pro-Chamisa members could escalate in the run-up to the SADC.
