News / National
Chibaya reports death threat to police
5 hrs ago |
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Former opposition legislator Amos Chibaya has reported a death threat to police after receiving an anonymous message warning him against proceeding with a political meeting held on June 21.
According to a report filed at Milton Park Police Station under Report Received Book (RRB) Number 6797835, Chibaya received a threatening message linked to a planned gathering intended to discuss Zimbabwe's current political situation.
The message allegedly warned him against holding the meeting and contained a threat to his life.
Translated from Shona, the message stated that if the meeting went ahead, he would die in an arson attack.
Confirming the incident, Chibaya said he was concerned for his personal safety.
"I am fearing for my life," he said.
"I have filed a police report and they said they are investigating."
According to Chibaya, the meeting was intended to discuss developments surrounding the controversial Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill, commonly known as CAB3, which has generated intense political debate across the country.
The threat comes amid growing allegations of intimidation, assaults and other forms of political violence targeting individuals and organisations opposed to the proposed constitutional amendments.
Critics of the Bill have raised concerns about shrinking democratic space and increasing political intolerance as divisions over the proposed changes continue to deepen.
Among recent incidents cited by opposition figures is the assault of Lovemore Madhuku, leader of the National Constitutional Assembly, who was reportedly attacked and later hospitalised after publicly opposing the constitutional amendments.
Members of Madhuku's party have also alleged that some activists were abducted and assaulted during the ongoing debate surrounding CAB3.
Political analysts say the latest threat against Chibaya is likely to heighten concerns over political freedoms and the safety of individuals expressing dissenting views on constitutional reforms.
Efforts to obtain comment from national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile phone reportedly went unanswered.
Police investigations into the threat are understood to be ongoing.
According to a report filed at Milton Park Police Station under Report Received Book (RRB) Number 6797835, Chibaya received a threatening message linked to a planned gathering intended to discuss Zimbabwe's current political situation.
The message allegedly warned him against holding the meeting and contained a threat to his life.
Translated from Shona, the message stated that if the meeting went ahead, he would die in an arson attack.
Confirming the incident, Chibaya said he was concerned for his personal safety.
"I am fearing for my life," he said.
"I have filed a police report and they said they are investigating."
According to Chibaya, the meeting was intended to discuss developments surrounding the controversial Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill, commonly known as CAB3, which has generated intense political debate across the country.
The threat comes amid growing allegations of intimidation, assaults and other forms of political violence targeting individuals and organisations opposed to the proposed constitutional amendments.
Critics of the Bill have raised concerns about shrinking democratic space and increasing political intolerance as divisions over the proposed changes continue to deepen.
Among recent incidents cited by opposition figures is the assault of Lovemore Madhuku, leader of the National Constitutional Assembly, who was reportedly attacked and later hospitalised after publicly opposing the constitutional amendments.
Members of Madhuku's party have also alleged that some activists were abducted and assaulted during the ongoing debate surrounding CAB3.
Political analysts say the latest threat against Chibaya is likely to heighten concerns over political freedoms and the safety of individuals expressing dissenting views on constitutional reforms.
Efforts to obtain comment from national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile phone reportedly went unanswered.
Police investigations into the threat are understood to be ongoing.
Source - newsday
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