By Takudzwa Changadeya
The spokesperson for the opposition, Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) Promise Mkwananzi, has fled the country after police offered a cash reward of $1,000 for information leading to his arrest.
The national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that a manhunt had been launched for Mkwananzi as well as Clayd Mashozhera and Noel Mhunhuweyi.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mkwananzi said he had left the country due to what he called “protracted efforts” by police to detain him.
“Following protracted efforts to get me detained for no crime other than speaking out against a sham election, I have summarily left the country,” he said.
Mwakanzi stated that he would continue his fight from abroad until Zimbabwe’s crisis was resolved.
“I will continue to do my work & fight for change from my new station until the Zimbabwean crisis has been resolved, which is not long, trust me,” he said.
“Once again, I wish to reiterate that I have no pending cases with the police. I was cleared of all the flimsy charges previously placed against me,” he added.
Despite Mkwananzi’s denial of any pending charges, police maintain that he faces two counts of contravening section 22(2)(e) and one count of contravening section 187(1)(b) under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
“Promise Dalubuhle Mkwananzi is facing two counts of contravening section 22 (2)(e) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23 and contravening section 187 (1)(b) as read with subsection 36 (1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23,” said Nyathi,” Nyathi said in a statement.
Meanwhile, it had been reported that Mashozhera and Mhunhuweyi are currently facing three charges each of assault and malicious property damage.
It is alleged that they were involved in the physical beating of four complainants and setting fire to their vehicles in Sunningdale just last month.
