Political violence
There has been an increase in cases of politically motivated violence since the proclamation of
the election day by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 31 May. ZPP recorded an increase in
violence targeting opposition Citizen Coalition for Change activists by suspected Zanu PF
supporters in Harare, Mashonaland Central, Masvingo, Manicaland and some parts of
Midlands.
In Mbare, a known industrial hub for informal traders became a political hotpot in Harare CCC
activist Grace Mirirodhi and 9 other CCC women were attacked by Zanu PF supporters led by
Cde Olembe on July 13. The perpetrators forcefully stripped Grace of her party regalia and left
her half naked. (RRB5508307 Matapi Police Station). On 14 July, 3 Zanu PF youths clad in party
regalia sprayed Talent Matiutza with an unknown substance and she fainted. They were
accusing her of supporting the CCC. The case was reported at Stoddard police station (RRB
5495723). That same day (14 July), CCC activist Shame M was assaulted by Zanu PF youths
while putting up CCC posters in Mbare. The victim sustained injuries.CCC activist Washington
Dzungwa was brutally assaulted by suspected Zanu PF youths in Mbare while sticking posters
for Mbare aspiring legislator Starman Chamisa on July 14. The victim was beaten
indiscriminately with sticks and sustained chest pains. The trend of assaults targeting
opposition CCC activists continued on 21 July in Mbare, when CCC activist Denford Jambare
was brutally assaulted by a group of approximately 45 Zanu PF youths who disembarked from
a lorry beating CCC members indiscriminately. The victim was attacked with sticks by the
youths at Pfumojena Council bar area around 5:30pm. He sustained internal injuries, and the
perpetrators confiscated his phone before leaving him unconscious.
In Zengeza East Chitungwiza, CCC activists James Nkonde, Calvin Mutizira, and Albert
Masamba were brutally assaulted by alleged Zanu PF youths in Zengeza during a door-to-door
voter mobilisation campaign. The victims were reportedly ambushed by the youths who
assaulted them with chains, clenched fists and booted feet. Nkonde sustained an eye injury,
Mutizira mouth injuries while Masamba had his phone confiscated by the perpetrators. The
incident happened on 7 July 2023. On 17 July, CCC activist Tryvine Musokeri was assaulted by
suspected Zanu PF youths in Zengeza East Chitungwiza on his way home. The victim sustained
a broken finger while trying to repel the youths who were assaulting him for his activism. In
Epworth, four CCC activists Agnes Mabhena, Agnes Chiwashira, Rujeko Chipiramhosva and
Ndomupei Machoba were brutally assaulted by a group of Zanu PF supporters led by Cde
Ottoman and Cde Mahachi. Social media video footage of the victims showed bloodied
images of three women and a man. The incident happened on 21 July and was reported at
Domboramwari Police Station in Epworth (RRB5639026). On 20 July in Churu constituency at
Takaz shopping centre ward 1 bout 20 Zanu PF youths led by Barrington Mtanga, Privy and
Kaseke chased a CCC campaign team led by Farisai Nyakudya, Tendai Mbambe and Tatenda
Mukurunge. The youths reportedly blocked their ‘baby’ Quantum vehicle before smashing
windows. They allegedly attempted to burn the vehicle, putting fire underneath it; however, the
victims escaped driving off at high speed. 3 CCC activists sustained injuries following the
attack.
Page 3