Bloody clashes erupt between Zanu PF activists and vendors in Shangani

Violent clashes reportedly broke out recently between Zanu PF activists and vendors -mostly believed to be from Nkayi - at the Shangani shopping centre in Insiza, Matabeleland South. Unconfirmed reports suggest that one person may have died during the skirmishes.

Sources say the vending stalls at the centre had long been a source of tension, with allegations that some were being used as brothels and for drug peddling. The local council had hinted at plans to remove the stalls but had not yet taken action.

Locals claim the stalls were established under the previous council, when the ward councillor was from Zanu PF. The area is now represented by Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor Nomsa Moyo - a shift that may have triggered the destruction of the stalls, with Zanu PF supporters allegedly acting as aggressors.

"There were serious clashes here over vending spaces," said one source who requested anonymity. 

"The fight erupted when Zanu PF activists demanded that vendors vacate the area. The vendors resisted, and the stalls were vandalised. I am told one person lost their life in the skirmishes."

The deceased has reportedly been buried, but community members remain concerned about the lack of response from police and local leadership.

Councillor Moyo is also said to have owned a stall at the centre, which was burnt down during the unrest.

Attempts to reach Moyo for comment were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to questions sent. Local Zanu PF MP Delani Moyo was also unreachable.

The source shared images of rubble and debris as evidence of the clashes.