The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa says one of its supporters was killed on Sunday in an orgy of violence in Zimbabwe’s Midlands city of Kwekwe when suspected Zanu PF activists said to be armed with spears and machetes went on the rampage in an attempt to disrupt the opposition party’s by-election rally.
Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, could neither deny nor confirm that an unidentified CCC supporter died when the ruling party members attacked CCC activists while Nelson Chamisa was addressing the rally.
Nyathi said, “At the moment I’m not in a position to comment because I’m in a very noisy place. Call me later.”
CCC spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, claimed that one of their supporters, who is yet to be identified, succumbed to injuries he sustained during the attack.
In a tweet, Mahere said, “Today is an extremely sad day for CCC as we have lost a citizen to Zanu-driven political violence. In the new Zimbabwe, it will not be a crime to express yourself politically. We need new leaders.
“I’m saddened by this disgusting barbarism of Zanu-PF. They have failed us utterly & convincingly. It is time my countrymen to put aside our differences & think clearly about the legacy we are leaving. Zanu-PF MUST GO!”
Mahere said 22 CCC supporters have been hospitalized following the attack.
“The number of hospitalized CCC members has gone up to 22. Many more were injured but for treatment from the Zimbabwe Red Cross and went home. Dr Henry Madzorera, our Secretary for Health was also on site assisting the victims. Political violence must stop.
“Hon. Settlement Chikwinya managed to contact the family of the deceased. He is now at the Police Station carrying out identification procedures with the family. May his dear soul Rest In Peace.”
Zanu PF officials were unreachable for comment.
Referring to CCC, Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was quoted by the local press as saying they will “crush the party like lice”.
CCC supporters were engaged in running battles with police on Saturday when they tried to attend a rally in the Midlands sanctioned by state security agents.
