Matabeleland South
In Matabeleland South province, it has become difficult for the CCC party to carry
out its activities as the police and the ruling party have continued to close the
operating space. This was demonstrated at Sun Yet Sen village where police
officers disrupted a rally organised by the CCC. The rally was intended to drum up
support for the CCC ahead of the much-anticipated 2023 harmonised elections.
Reports show that at first the police officials had cleared the rally but later came
in two trucks and threw two teargas canisters at the crowd. One of the party
organisers identified as Graydone Phiri was arrested and detained at Sun Yet Sen
police station. A similar case was also reported where Zanu PF activist Jabulani
Sibanda intimidated and threatened citizens to vote for Zanu PF before the byelections that were scheduled for October. It is said that Sibanda arrived at
Tshankwa High School to drum up support ahead of the by-elections. Sibanda told
citizens that they should vote for Zanu PF and not any other opposition party. It is
alleged that he warned citizens that those who attempted to vote for any other
party besides Zanu PF would be removed from the beneficiary list.
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