Heal Zimbabwe condemns the victimization of political activists in Zvimba South ward 34 by ZANU PF members led by ZANU PF District chairperson, Alpha Muyesa. On the 12th of June 2019, MDC Alliance activists Joyce Kabai and Sosana Churu were handed over to the police by Muyesa who alleged that the two had assaulted Anna Rajabu, a ZANU PF member. After investigations by police at Trelawny police station, the allegations were proved to be false and the conflicting parties were advised to settle the matter out of court.
On their way from the police station, Muyesa threatened the two MDC Alliance activists with violence and further highlighted that if the two continued attending meetings called for by MDC Alliance, they were going to be killed. Muyesa also instructed the two to attend a ZANU PF meeting on 15 June 2019 and further threatened that if they do not comply, he was going hand them over to Kadoma Central Intelligence Department so that they are “dealt” with once and for all. Presently, the two MDC activists have fled from the area after continued visits by ZANU PF youths at their homes.
Heal Zimbabwe notes that such conduct by ZANU PF members in Zvimba South violates Section 67 of the constitution which gives citizens the inalienable right to join, form or participate in the activities of any political party of their choice. Participation in political process must not be criminalized as it is the bedrock of any democratic society. In light of this, Heal Zimbabwe implores political parties to embrace political diversity and shun political labeling which fuels political violence. Heal Zimbabwe has since reported the matter to the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), in line with section 252 (i) which compels the commission to conciliate and mediate disputes among communities.
Source: Heal Zimbabwe
