By Wezhira Munya
In a concerning turn of events, Zimbabwean security agents have intensified their hunt for pro-Chamisa lieutenants in Masvingo, raising fears of a potential crackdown ahead of the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Harare.
According to verbal narrations from the persons who support President Chamisa listed in this article, the Central Intelligence Officers (CIOs) have been actively targeting several key figures, including Jonah Wakurawarehwa, Masvingo urban member of parliament Martin Mureri, and human rights activist Prosper Tiringindi. The CIOs have accused these individuals of planning demonstrations on August 17th, 2024, during the SADC summit.
The SADC summit is set to be a significant event, as the regional body intends to hand over the rotational chairmanship to Zanu PF president Emmerson Mnangagwa. However, this decision has been met with skepticism, as the majority of election observers during the August 23rd, 2023 harmonized elections noted that Zanu PF had rigged the elections against President Nelson Chamisa.
In a scathing report, SADC head of the delegation, the fearless Never Mumba, stated that the Zimbabwean elections were neither free nor fair. This has raised concerns among pro-Chamisa supporters, who believe that the SADC’s decision to hand over the chairmanship to Mnangagwa is a betrayal of democratic principles.
The crackdown in Masvingo has extended beyond the targeted individuals, with the CIOs and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) also visiting Masvingo Senator Maggie Chakabuda at her business premises and residence. The authorities have accused her of being part of the pro-Chamisa faction that is planning the August 17th demonstrations.
The situation has become increasingly tense, with the security agents employing intimidation tactics, such as visiting the homes and workplaces of the targeted individuals. In one instance, a female CIO visited the office of Honorable Mureri, the Masvingo urban member of parliament, and requested his CV from his secretary, who refused to comply after consulting with the MP.
Furthermore, the village head of Ward 18, Elivis Chakawa, a former aspiring 2023 councilor for President Nelson Chamisa, has also been visited by CIO officials, including one named Mangezi from Chivi. The CIOs have been using twin-cab vehicles without license plates, further adding to the sense of unease and uncertainty.
As the SADC summit approaches, the crackdown on pro-Chamisa activists in Masvingo has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and the freedom of expression. The situation will undoubtedly be closely watched by the international community, as the events in Zimbabwe could have far-reaching implications for the region’s political stability.
