Violence reported during political campaigning in matabeleland north
Violence was reported during campaign activities for the upcoming elections in Umguza district, Matabeleland North province.
Supporters of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party and the ruling Zanu PF party clashed while campaigning door-to-door in ward 9, according to both sides.
CCC officials claim their activists were attacked by Zanu PF chairperson Aaron Ngwenya and his two sons, leaving four CCC members injured. However, Zanu PF officials accuse CCC chairperson Prince Dubeko Sibanda of inciting violence, alleging he organized an attack on an elderly Zanu PF member.
CCC candidate Benzis Ndlovu has reportedly been threatened with eviction and denied access to water by Ngwenya.
CCC activist Queen Maligwa said her team was assaulted with metal rods by Ngwenya and his sons. Two of Ngwenya’s sons were arrested, though police did not comment on the incident.
A human rights group corroborated the CCC’s version of events and called for the police to impartially enforce the law.
