By Takudzwa Changadeya
The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has criticized the ruling party’s repeated recourse to political violence, intimidation, coercion, and physical attacks during campaigns, as a tactic to retain power, maintain control and suppress dissent.
As election temperature rises, reports are emerging of orchestrated disturbances at opposition party rallies, resulting in injuries, exacerbating an already tense political climate.
Speaking at the funeral wake of a CCC activist Tinashe Chisungo in Glenview, who was stoned to death by a suspected Zanu PF member near Tanaka grounds in Glen View, Harare, CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said Zanu-Pf will not win the forthcoming elections using terror.
“This is what Zanu-Pf does, we know them and they do this thinking they will win the upcoming elections, but the truth is they will not win, not at the margin of terror.
“Zanu-Pf is blurring all the principles of democracy in our country and this time their tactics are in vain because they are not going to stop us from embracing our movement,” Siziba said.
Siziba also added that Zanu-Pf leader president Emerson Mnangagwa’s use of political violence to thwart the opposing voices is a clear indication that he is scared of the opposition that it may seize power in the forthcoming elections.
“Mnangagwa is scared of us. Violence is putting an ugly face on our democracy but we always stand firm and soldier on.
“The blood of Tinashe is going to oil our struggle and we are very happy that CCC supporters are here to pay tribute to the life of Tinashe.
“This shows that we know where we stand as a movement, we are united,” Siziba said.
Chitsunge, from Glen View, was stoned while trying to flee from a suspected Zanu PF mob.
The attack on Chitsunge came shortly before CCC party leader Nelson Chamisa’s convoy was also attacked with stones by suspected Zanu-PF members a day before in Mutasa, Manicaland where he was a addressing a rally.
