The opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) aspiring Harare South Ward 12 councillor Ranganayi Mupakati has been acquitted of charges of assaulting a ZANU PF aspiring councillor in the same ward.
This comes after the state failed to provide satisfactory evidence of the crime.
According to the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, the State called the evidence of three witnesses, including the complainant and two other ZANU PF supporters.
However, their testimonies not only failed to collaborate but they also failed to challenge Mupakati’s statement.
Allegations were that Mupakati assaulted Simon Munzanga who was the aspiring ZANU PF councillor with fists and open hands during the election period on 10 August 2023.
The accused, through his lawyer, Bianca Mahere, of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, applied for discharge at the close of the State case.
The application was granted by Mbare provincial magistrate, Batanai Madzingira who also acquitted Mupakati.
The court agreed with the defence counsel that the State had not made a convincing case against the accused person and failed to rebut the accused’s evidence.
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CCC Aspiring Councillor Acquitted Of Political Violence Charges

Thirteen ZANU PF supporters, arrested in connection with the death of CCC activist Tinashe Chitsunge in August 2023, were released from pre-trial detention on Tuesday, March 26.
These individuals were arrested before the August 2023 election on charges of public violence, which led to the unfortunate death of Chitsunge in Glen View, Harare.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024867/ccc-activist-murder-zanu-pf-supporters-removed-from-remand">NewsDay</a> reported that the suspects are Cleopas Ndlovu (27), Ruzivo Mapuranga (39), Pauline Chikomo (37), Brian Mutanga (38), Berrington Mutanga (36), Emma Murana (40), Tawanda Muchatisi (29), Tapiwa Kaseke (32), Nyakabau Munashe (18), Tinashe Mabheki (35) Fadzai Madzinga (47), Forget Kanyuru (29) and Phenius Kamwendo (28).
Harare magistrate Simon Kandiyero presided over the case.
The accused, represented by lawyer Steven Chikotora, contended that the State had not presented any witnesses since the case began
The defence asserted that the State could summon the accused individuals when ready for trial.
Magistrate Kandiyero granted release to the 13 individuals on March 22, following a successful argument by their lawyer against continued remand.
The case may resume if prosecutors choose to summon them for trial.
Allegations were that on August 3, 2023, the accused were playing soccer at Chimunhu Grounds in Glen View high-density suburb fully aware that CCC had booked the same venue for a rally.
The court heard that when police tried to disperse the accused persons, they threw stones at the law enforcement officers.
The situation got intense after CCC members arrived for the rally before the two groups started pelting each other with stones.
Chitsunge died in the commotion after allegedly being hit with stones.
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13 ZANU PF Supporters Arrested Over The Death Of A CCC Activist Removed From Remand

Seven opposition CCC youths were arrested for assaulting Deputy Mayor Councillor John Manatsa. They accused him of sympathizing with the party’s disputed interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/seven-ccc-youths-arrested-for-violence/">The Herald</a> reported that the assault occurred during a political meeting at the home of recalled Beitbridge West legislator Morgan Ncube, where the deputy mayor was present. The house serves as the opposition party’s district office.
Anthony Shoko (28), Winston Mugudo (25), Aaron Makumbe (24), Miller Kuwe (31), Decent Dube (35), Forget Chirenda (35), and Cosmas Chimonyo (23) have been charged with assault and theft of R2 500 and US$1 800 from the complainant during the assault.
The suspects were released on $300 000 bail pending trial when they appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba on Monday.
They were ordered to report to the nearest police station once a week and not to interfere with State witnesses among other bail conditions.
Representing the State, Ronald Mugwagwa alleged that on March 6, the complainant was attending a CCC meeting at the party offices when the seven accused persons approached him.
Shoko allegedly instructed Councillor Manatsa to exit the house, asserting that he aligns with the faction led by Tshabangu rather than the one led by former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.
Subsequently, the suspects forcibly lifted Manatsa from his seat, dragged him outside the house, and subjected him to physical assault, throwing him to the ground.
According to court testimony, the accused forcibly removed the complainant from the yard, and threw him onto the road, resulting in back injuries and a swollen left arm.
While assaulting him, the accused individuals reportedly confiscated his shoes, a small bag containing R2 500, US$1 800, and a cell phone.
They then discarded the items over the perimeter wall, having allegedly rummaged through the bag and taken the money.
A report was filed with the police, resulting in the subsequent arrest of the accused individuals a few days later.
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Seven CCC Youths Arrested For Intra-party Violence

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba has accused ZANU PF of using abductions, torture and murder against opponents during elections.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Siziba named several party activists who were allegedly murdered by ZANU PF members in the past twelve months.
Siziba was speaking days after a CCC activist, Tapfumaneyi Masaya, was allegedly abducted and murdered while conducting door-to-door campaigns for CCC’s Mabvuku Constituency by-election candidate Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi. NewZimbabwe.com quoted Siziba as saying:
<blockquote>
The recent murders of our change champions including Mboneni Ncube, [Nyasha] Zhambe in Gutu, Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime and Tafadzwa Chitsunge in Glenview cast a dark cloud on our nation in the post-election environment.
There have been numerous cases of abduction and torture targeting our MPs and Councillors.
Takudzwa Ngadziore, the youngest MP was abducted in broad daylight by gun-toting men, former legislator James Chidhakwa was also abducted by these men who are walking scot-free.
</blockquote>
Womberaiishe Nhende was brutally attacked and all these people were injected with poison and are undergoing medical treatment.
<blockquote>
The failure of the regime to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and the lawlessness that has visited our country is a cause for concern not just for our movement but the whole of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Ncube was stabbed and killed at a CCC rally in Kwekwe in 2022, Ali was killed and her body mutilated in Nyatsime, also in 2022, while Chitsunge was stoned to death by suspected ZANU PF members in Glen View, Harare this year.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), however, said Chitsunge was run over by a truck. Added Siziba:
<blockquote>
Right now an election in Zimbabwe means two things, if you want life you are forced to vote for ZANU PF.
If you vote for the alternative, which is your choice, you are actually voting for death in the context of the by-election we held in Gutu.
Voting is no longer about political choice under Mnangagwa, it is no longer about bread and butter issues which is why Zimbabweans are being coerced to vote for ZANU PF.
It is actually coercion not voting, which is a problem we continue to face.
</blockquote>
By-elections will be held in more than 10 National Assembly constituencies after CCC activist Sengezo Tshabangu declared himself the party’s interim secretary general and initiated recalls of CCC representatives.
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Voting In Zimbabwe Now A Life Or Death Issue - CCC

Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Deputy Minister Barbara Rwodzi was recorded verbally assaulting a senior police officer who arrested a ZANU PF supporter for pulling down CCC posters.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200014147/minister-police-boss-in-heated-tantrum">NewsDay</a> reported that Rwodzi insulted the police officer as he was preparing a docket against the ZANU PF supporter, only known as Danger who is believed to be part of her campaign team.
In a three and half minute’s audio, Rwodzi is heard calling Assistant Inspector Matsa, based at Charandura Police Station, a “stupid idiot”.
The Chirumanzu South MP also threatened to deal with the police officer.
Rwodzi told the senior cop that she will deal with him “in front of (Godwin) Matanga”, the Police Commissioner-General. She was recorded saying:
<blockquote>
I will finish with you. Do you think CCC will win? Urimbwa (you are a dog), you are stupid go and report wherever you want.
I am going to finish you, Matsa. I will fight you to the end. Urimbwa (you are a dog).
</blockquote>
The police officer, however, stood his ground insisting that he was only doing his job. He said:
<blockquote>
Mai Rwodzi, you don’t have to be personal and call me stupid.
</blockquote>
But Rwodzi told the cop that he should report her for calling him an idiot.
She said he should have discussed the matter with his superior and other officers at the station before opening a docket against a ZANU PF activist.
Rwodzi also said she will not be lectured about laws because she was responsible for making laws in the country as a Member of Parliament.
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Minister Calls A Senior Cop "Stupid" And "A Dog" For Arresting ZANU PF Activist

Violence broke out in parts of Mashonaland West Province this week as ZANU PF members from rival camps attacked each other ahead of the party’s primary elections.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009230/zanu-pf-turns-mash-west-into-war-zone">NewsDay</a> reported that violence rocked Sanyati and Chegutu West where Mines deputy minister Polite Kambamura and Dexter Nduna are the sitting Members of Parliament, respectively.
Reports suggest that some ZANU PF supporters have fled from their homes following the violence that flared up at Kasirisiri business centre in Sanyati on Tuesday.
Kambamura is being challenged by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s lawyers, Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba and Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena’s younger brother, Tatenda.
A video of Magwaliba attacking Kambamura’s supporters also emerged.
Beauty Jeremiah, who is the ZANU PF Kasirisiri district chairperson, accused Magwaliba of sponsoring the violence. She said:
<blockquote>
Magwaliba’s supporters have been going around threatening to come during the night and abduct Kambamura’s supporters and some people are now afraid of staying at their homes.
His (Magwaliba) supporters are threatening those who support Kambamura, unleashing violence while boasting that he is Mnangagwa’s lawyer and that he will cause the release of his supporters who would have been arrested.
</blockquote>
Jeremiah also alleged that two teenage boys were stabbed for refusing to chant Magwaliba’s slogans at a rally the aspiring MP was addressing at Kasirisiri business centre on Tuesday.
However, Magwaliba denied fuelling the violence, adding that four of his supporters were attacked by Kambamura’s supporters. He said:
<blockquote>
One was chopped by an axe, another shot by a catapult, while the other two were stoned.
Kambamura’s supporters ambushed my supporters as we tried to attend to someone they had axed and caused mayhem.
I have not been retaliating. His supporters have been threatening my supporters. I preach peace at my rallies. 
Our innocent supporter was arrested and accused of assaulting Jeremiah. He has been released.
All I can say is that Kambamura has been sponsoring violence.
</blockquote>
The ZANU PF primary elections were initially scheduled for last week but were called off at the last minute.
They are being conducted this Saturday in 8 of the country’s 10 provinces, with Midlands and Masvingo set to hold the elections on Sunday.
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Violence Breaks Out Between Rival ZANU PF Camps

ZANU PF Harare Provincial Commissar Kudakwashe Damson was barred from participating in the upcoming primary elections for allegedly assaulting Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) officials who were on duty conducting voter education in Epworth recently, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/primaries-get-all-clear/">The Herald</a>.
Damson is facing charges of contravening the Electoral Act by obstructing ZEC proceedings. He was remanded to 5 April on a $50 000 bail.
This was said by ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Christopher Mutsvangwa while addressing the media at a post-extraordinary Politburo session in Harare on Monday, 20 March. Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
We await the justice system to guide us in decision-making. Cde Damson, the PC for Harare province was disqualified.
We hope he will accept the decision. He still has a future in the party and is a hard worker.
The President stresses that the party is bigger than individuals.
This also goes to show that there is zero tolerance for violence There is zero tolerance against corruption and violence.
</blockquote>
He also said the Politburo approved at least 99.9 percent of CVs of aspiring primary elections candidates.
Mutsvangwa said President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the ZANU PF First Secretary, will soon announce the dates of the primaries.
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ZANU PF Official Barred From Primaries For Assaulting ZEC Officials

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) has urged the Police to deal with perpetrators of politically-motivated violence.
This comes after seven Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) employees were allegedly assaulted by ZANU PF activists on Monday in Epworth for wearing yellow reflectors while conducting voter education. The Forum said:
<blockquote>
7 Zimbabwe Electoral Commission staffers were assaulted by ZANU-PF activists in Epworth on 13 March for wearing yellow reflectors while conducting voter education in the dormitory town.
They were bundled in a combi and assaulted by the activists led by Kudakwashe Damison, a ZANU-PF losing candidate in the 2018 polls before being dumped at Epworth Police Station.
</blockquote>
ZEC on Sunday, 12 March commenced a mobile voter registration exercise ahead of the 2023 general elections.
ZEC said that the outreach will take place at over 21 000 centres nationwide until March.
Prospective voters are required to carry their Identity Card – metal, plastic or waiting pass with the holder’s picture – or a valid passport.
Proof of residence is required but where a prospective voter does not have one, they can sign an affidavit at the registration centre.
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ZANU PF Activists Assault ZEC Employees In Epworth | Report

Police say they are investigating incidents of politically motivated violence that occurred at CCC rallies in Chivi, Masvingo Province, and Gokwe North, Midlands Province yesterday (Sunday).
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said one person has been arrested in connection with the violence that rocked a CCC meeting at Nembudzia Government High School in Gokwe North District. He said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with the political violence incident which occurred at Nembudzia Government High School grounds on 12 February 2023.
One suspect has been arrested as the investigations continue.
The ZRP is also investigating the circumstances which led to public violence during a Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) rally at Chivi open grounds in Masvingo Province on 12 February 2023.
</blockquote>
Nyathi said more details will be released in due course.

Police Probe Violence Incidents At CCC Rallies In Chivi And Gokwe

ZANU PF supporters who were allegedly assaulted and injured by CCC activists in Gokwe North on Sunday, 12 February, had tried to disrupt the opposition party’s meeting according to an official.
According to <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/02/12/znu-pf-supporters-attacked-by-ccc-members-in-gokwe/">ZBC News</a>, the ZANU PF supporters were attacked at Mtora Growth Point, Gokwe-Nembudziya. 
The injured ZANU PF supporters were ferried to Gokwe North District Hospital for medical attention.
Government spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana <a href="https://twitter.com/nickmangwana/status/1624821251901476865">identified</a> those who were injured as ZANU PF Secretary for Production Shylet Hatina and District chairperson Temba Motsi.
The ruling party immediately condemned the attack which it blamed on the Citizens’ Coalition for Change.
However, responding to a tweet by ZANU PF Director of Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi, which he has since deleted, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said police had to intervene to protect their supporters from the ZANU PF intruders. <a href="https://twitter.com/advocatemahere/status/1625123087258640390">She said</a>:
<blockquote>
Be honest. [ZANU PF] thugs tried to violently gain entry into the venue we booked for a rally which was cleared by [the Police].
At least 5 of our security personnel were injured trying to keep the peace.
ZRP had to disperse your members cause we had the legal right to be there.
</blockquote>
Mahere also shared a letter from the police authorising CCC to conduct the rally where ZANU PF activists were reportedly assaulted.
The letter, which was addressed to the CCC Provincial Elections Officer Chengetai Dzikamunhenga, by the Officer Commanding Gokwe District, Chief Superintendent P. Makondo, reads in part:
<blockquote>
NOTIFICATION TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN RALLY.
The above subject matter is pertinent and this office acknowledges receipt of your letter dated the 7th day of February 2023.
It is your submission that you intend to hold a campaign rally at Nembudzia Government School Community Grounds, Gokwe North on the 12th of February 2023, from 0900 hours to 1600 hours.
Your notification has been noted and this office does not have any reservations subject to the following;-
a) You adhere to the stated date, times and venue applied for. Should you wish to make any changes, you shall have to re-notify.
b) The provisions of Section 7 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, Chapter 11:23 will be evoked if any of the conditions is violated. 
c) You ensure that all proceedings are done within the confines of your mandate.
d) You adhere with due regards to the COVID-19 guidelines of ensuring enforcement on wearing of face masks, temperature screening and observing social distancing.
By copy of this letter, Officer-In-Charge Nembudzia has been advised.
</blockquote>

"ZANU PF Supporters Assaulted In Gokwe Had Stormed CCC Meeting"

Several ZANU PF supporters were allegedly assaulted and seriously injured by suspected CCC activists at Mtora Growth Point, Gokwe-Nembudziya, on Sunday, 12 February.
According to <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/02/12/znu-pf-supporters-attacked-by-ccc-members-in-gokwe/">ZBC News</a>, the injured ZANU PF supporters were ferried to Gokwe North District Hospital for medical attention.
The ZANU PF members were reportedly attending a voter registration mobilisation and awareness meeting when they attacked.
The ruling party has condemned the attack which it blamed on the Citizens’ Coalition for Change. ZANU PF <a href="https://twitter.com/ZANUPF_Official/status/1624829585803051008">tweeted</a>:
<blockquote>
We condemn in strongest terms, the violence meted out against our supporters in Gokwe by Mr. Chamisa’s CCC hooligans. That has no place in our society.
President @edmnangagwa has called for peaceful political mobilisations. Let the Law take decide. We pray for their quick recovery!
</blockquote>
Police were yet to issue a statement, but reports indicate that one person has been arrested.

ZANU PF Members Attacked By Suspected CCC Activists In Gokwe

Local human rights watchdog, Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe (CiCZ) says Zimbabwe is not ready to hold free, fair and credible elections given the escalating incidents of politically-motivated violence, among other factors.
Cicz national director Blessing Vava said current events do not point to a country ready for fair elections.
He told a South Africa-based radio station recently:
<blockquote>
If you look at the prevailing conditions, they do not point out a country ready for free, fair and credible elections. The violence we have witnessed during the by-elections in areas such as Insiza and the continuous arrest of opposition activists such as Job Sikhala currently languishing in remand prison without trial casts doubt on the credibility of the upcoming elections.
What we are seeing now is a playing field tilted towards the ruling party with the opposition party not being allowed to organise rallies.
</blockquote>
Vava also indicated that the current controversy around the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) delimitation report was another pointer to the nation’s unpreparedness.
Political violence has been escalating since late 2021 amid concerns that this year’s elections might be bloody as the ruling ZANU PF is “willing to do whatever it takes to retain power.”
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"Zimbabwe Is Not Ready For Free, Fair And Credible Elections" - Human Rights Watchdog

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reiterated his call for tolerance and peace as Zimbabwe draws closer to the 2023 harmonised elections.
Speaking at the memorial service of national hero and liberation war fighter, Ambassador <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Simon_Khaya_Moyo">Simon Khaya Moyo</a>, who succumbed to cancer last year, the president said Moyo was a beacon of unity and the nation must honour his legacy by conducting peaceful elections.
The Sunday Mail, a state-run publication, quotes him as saying:
<blockquote>
Furthermore, constructive criticism, as well as divergent views in the political, economic and social spheres must drive us towards a culture of tolerance, non-violence and peace.
This is more critical as the nation prepares for the 2023 harmonised general elections.
</blockquote>
<h2>Some Context:</h2>
Zimbabwe has previously recorded violence prior to, during and after elections.
With cases of politically-motivated violence recorded this year going up, fears abound that the 2023 elections will be blood.
The United Nations has indicated that it will supervise the poll to avoid “another disputed election.”
There are reportedly two levels of political violence in Zimbabwe – intra-party (within a political party) and interparty (one party against another party) violence.
The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) claims that the ruling ZANU PF, together with the state security forces, is assaulting, abducting and or killing its members to force them to leave the opposition party.
ZANU PF denies the allegations saying it is a peaceful party which abides by the laws of the land.
In 2008, some members of the opposition MDC lost their properties while some were assaulted and or killed by alleged ZANU PF members who were reportedly working with war veterans, police, CIOs and the army.
<h2>Recent cases of political violence:</h2>
During the run-up to March 26, 2022 by-elections CCC supporters were attacked at a rally in Kwekwe <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/11-of-the-16-arrested-for-violence-murder-at-ccc-kwekwe-rally-released/">leading to the death of Mboneni Ncube after being stabbed with a spear.</a>
The Gokwe-Kabuyuni by-elections held on August 27 saw Nelson Chamisa’s <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/mahere-says-zanu-pf-thugs-attacked-chamisas-convoy-citizens-attending-gokwe-rally/">convoy under attack allegedly by senior ZANU PF officials</a> with Local government minister July Moyo allegedly involved.
Senior ZANU PF officials are on record <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/owen-ncube-threatens-worse-than-2008-political-violence-against-sell-outs/">threatening that 2023 will be worse than 2008</a> when members of the opposition MDC were attacked and killed in the run-up to the run-off election.
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