Mthwakazi demands answers over abduction of activist

The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has called on authorities to account for the whereabouts of anti-government activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi following his alleged abduction by suspected State security agents in Beitbridge on Wednesday.

Mbedzi, a vocal critic of the recent constitutional amendments extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure by two years, was reportedly seized in his home town and taken to an unknown location.

According to sources, Mbedzi was allegedly forced into a white double-cab vehicle before being driven away.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the MRP said it was closely monitoring developments and expressed concern for the activist's safety.

The party urged authorities to disclose Mbedzi's whereabouts if he was in State custody and to ensure his constitutional rights were protected.

"The government has an obligation to respect and guarantee all citizens' constitutional rights and freedoms," the party said.

"There should be no room for arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and intimidation."

The MRP said Zimbabwe's Constitution guarantees freedoms of expression and association, as well as the right to demonstrate and petition peacefully, and called on State institutions to uphold those rights.

The party also appealed to security agencies to allow citizens to exercise their constitutional freedoms without intimidation.

"If Mbedzi is in the custody of State security agents, he should either be released immediately and returned safely to his family. If he is being lawfully detained, authorities should promptly disclose his whereabouts and ensure that all his constitutional and legal rights are respected," the statement said.

At the time of publication, Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Chiratidzo Dube had not responded to requests for comment regarding the alleged abduction.

Authorities had also not issued any public statement confirming Mbedzi's arrest or detention.