CCC corners government over abductions, murder of its members

Members of Parliament from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) criticized the government for the sluggish progress in investigating the escalating cases of alleged abductions and murders of opposition figures.

The opposition has raised concerns about a surge in alleged abductions, accusing the government of suppressing dissenting voices.

Recently, a CCC activist, Tapfumaneyi Masaya, was reportedly abducted and later found dead.

Despite accusations of a lackadaisical approach to investigating such cases, the government has consistently pledged to initiate inquests.

Fadzayi Mahere, MP for Mt Pleasant, asserted that the government had failed in its constitutional duty to protect citizens and demanded thorough investigations into alleged abductions.

"Section 219 (1) (c) obliges the Police Service to secure the lives of Zimbabwean people. Section 48 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life, and Section 53 guarantees that no person may be subjected to physical or psychological torture or cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment. Over the last four weeks, we have seen an escalation in abductions, enforced disappearances," Mahere stated before being interrupted by Zanu-PF MPs.

In response, Ziyambi Ziyambi, the leader of the government in parliament, emphasized that individuals with information about the abductions should report to the authorities.

"We have a policy that informs what the laws must be, and we have a Constitution that clearly indicates that we must protect the right to life. We have a Constitution that prohibits enforced disappearances. So, the policy of government is already there. What is needed is, if there is anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of these individuals that they are alleging ‘abducted' or did whatever they did, they must provide the investigating officers with that information so that they can investigate fully and ensure that they are prosecuted," said Ziyambi.

Last month, former MP James Chidhakwa was allegedly abducted and later found with injuries. Legislator Takudzwa Ngadziore was also reportedly abducted by unknown armed individuals and later left in Mazowe.

Kuwadzana West MP Johnson Matambo questioned the Minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe, on the legality, use, and safety of firearms in light of incidents such as kidnappings and killings.