The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) parliamentary candidate for Hurungwe East, Blessing Mandava, expressed outrage after his campaign posters were reportedly torn down by alleged Zanu PF youths in the constituency. Mandava has identified the perpetrators and has taken the matter to the police.
A confrontation unfolded on Friday at Tengwe shops when Zanu PF members were spotted defacing Mandava’s campaign material, which prominently featured a portrait of their party’s president, Nelson Chamisa.
Mandava, speaking to NewZimbabwe, condemned the incident as a clear example of the ruling regime resorting to terror and violence in order to secure electoral victories.
“The vandalism of our CCC campaign material by known Zanu PF members in Tengwe is not only unfortunate but also a senseless and barbaric act,” said Mandava.
He went on to name Shepherd Sokosi, Remind Churu, and other youths as the individuals responsible for tearing down their posters.
A police report, registered under case number RRB 5054469, has been filed at Tengwe Police Station, and Mandava expects the culprits to be arrested and brought before the court to ensure justice and fairness.
Mandava pointed out the contrast between this incident and the recent imprisonment of CCC supporters who were accused of tearing down posters belonging to a Zanu PF candidate. He expressed the hope that the wheels of justice would turn in this case as well.
The CCC candidate, who is contesting against Zanu PF’s Chenjerai Kangausaru, highlighted that the vandalism of campaign posters has been an ongoing issue, seemingly without consequences.
“Zanu PF’s Ward 2 candidate, Makarani, was reported for violating the Electoral Act but was not arrested. This is a senseless, barbaric, unpatriotic, and foreign behaviour. Where is the spirit of fair play?” Mandava questioned.
Just last week, Karoi Magistrate Moreblessing Makati convicted three CCC activists – Freddy Chiyangwa (21), Manase Ramba (18), and Steven Saga (23) – sentencing them to four months in prison for destroying a Zanu PF campaign poster and assaulting ruling party supporters.
The clash between political factions and the destruction of campaign materials underscore the tense atmosphere surrounding the upcoming elections in Hurungwe East.
— NewZimbabwe
