A member of the Zimbabwean opposition has been discovered deceased following their abduction on Saturday while participating in a political campaign near Harare. The Citizens Coalition for Change party confirmed the incident, which marks the second abduction of an opposition member in recent weeks.
According to the party, Tapfumaneyi Masaya was forcefully taken into a vehicle by unidentified individuals while actively promoting the CCC’s candidate for the upcoming byelections on 9 December.
According to Promise Mkwananzi, a spokesperson for the CCC, Masaya was subjected to torture and then abandoned on the outskirts of Harare.
Mkwananzi stated that after an extensive search, the body of the deceased was transported to a mortuary at Parirenyatwa hospital, which is approximately 3 miles (5km) away from central Harare. Members of the CCC were able to identify the body at this location.
I am unable to confirm the occurrences on my own.
Since the 1980s, Zimbabwe has a well-documented record of enforced disappearances and fatalities among political activists. The opposition has consistently accused the Zanu-PF party in power of being responsible for the abuse and deaths of its members.
The abduction and murder of Masaya occurred just two weeks following the abduction, torture, and release of CCC legislator Takudzwa Ngadziore by armed individuals approximately 30 miles (50km) north of Harare. Ngadziore was able to survive the ordeal.
On Monday, authorities reported starting an inquiry following the discovery of a body in the same area where Masaya, as reported by the CCC, was found. However, the victim’s identity has not yet been determined.
According to Paul Nyathi, a representative from the police department, there have been no new developments as of Tuesday. Mkwananzi emphasized the importance of the police fulfilling their duties and swiftly and successfully bringing all abductors to face consequences.
The opposition in Zimbabwe has been demanding a new election after President Emmerson Mnangagwa was re-elected in August. Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the CCC, called the election a “massive fraud.” Zanu-PF has refuted these claims of fraud.
Source: theguardian.com
