The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has failed to condemn threats of political violence that were issued by members of ZANU PF against CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa and his family.
In a video recording that went viral, ZANU PF’s Abton Mashayanyika said Chamisa and his children must be killed.
Responding to questions at a press conference held at the Commission’s headquarters on Friday, ZEC spokesperson Jasper Mangwana said they were not aware of the video.
He added that ZEC had no jurisdiction in matters that involve political opponents issuing threats of violence. Mangwana said:
First of all, that video has not been brought to the attention of the commission. I think that is an issue that has to be dealt with by the republic police.
For us to say this or that would definitely not be following what we call due process because whatever allegation has come, it has to be reported, it has to be investigated, court processes have to go through and something has to be done.
We, as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, cannot comment on such speculation because it has not been brought to our attention, even by the stakeholders that are involved, so for us to comment, we will definitely not give you a correct answer.
Members of the opposition have demanded that Mashayanyika be arrested for issuing the threats.
CCC MP Job Sikhala is currently jailed at Chikurubi Maximum Prison on allegations of inciting violence after he purportedly posted a video condemning the murder of CCC activist, Moreblessing Ali.