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Chamisa condemns Chitungwiza man's death, demands probe
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Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa and the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) have condemned the death of a 41-year-old Chitungwiza man following an alleged politically motivated assault, calling for an independent investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Kelvin Bhonzo of Ward 25, Chitungwiza North, died on July 26, 2026, after spending several weeks in hospital. He had reportedly been attacked on June 14 while returning home from Makoni Shopping Centre, where he had been watching a football match.
In a statement, Chamisa described Bhonzo's death as a politically motivated murder, saying political violence remains an unacceptable scourge that must be eradicated.
According to Chamisa, witnesses identified Bhonzo's attackers as ZANU PF supporters who allegedly assaulted him with machetes and bricks while accusing him of supporting the rejection of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3).
Chamisa said Bhonzo was initially admitted to Chitungwiza Hospital before being transferred to CitiMed Hospital for specialist treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all citizens mourning this tragic loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace," Chamisa said, describing Bhonzo as a "Citizen Volunteer" and a "Citizens Hero."
The Constitution Defenders Forum, led by human rights lawyer Tendai Biti, also condemned Bhonzo's death in a statement issued on July 28, describing it as a grave attack on constitutionalism and the rule of law.
The organisation said Bhonzo, a political volunteer and resident of Ward 25, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during what it described as a brutal assault by alleged supporters of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3.
The CDF said the killing violated Section 48 of Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, and argued that arbitrary deprivation of life by either State agents or individuals acting with impunity is incompatible with constitutional protections.
It further said Zimbabwe has an obligation under international human rights law not only to refrain from unlawfully taking life but also to protect life by ensuring prompt, independent and effective investigations into suspicious deaths and prosecuting those responsible.
The Forum called for an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bhonzo's death, saying all perpetrators, whether private individuals or State actors, should be identified and held accountable in accordance with the law.
Beyond the killing, the CDF expressed concern over what it described as growing political intolerance in Zimbabwe.
The organisation cited a recent Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) statement seeking information on the whereabouts of activist MaDzibaba veShanduko over allegations of undermining police authority, arguing that the move, coming shortly after his acquittal and release from prolonged detention, suggested the weaponisation of law enforcement to intimidate dissenting voices.
The Forum also criticised the arrest and continued detention of Bhekimpilo Mbedzi for allegedly expressing an intention to participate in the planned July 31 protests, saying citizens intending to engage in peaceful demonstrations should be protected rather than persecuted.
"While law enforcement agencies have a legitimate mandate to investigate suspected criminal conduct, the Constitution guarantees every Zimbabwean the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly and equal protection before the law," the CDF said.
The organisation urged political parties, State institutions, law enforcement agencies and citizens to reject political violence and recommit themselves to constitutional values, including human dignity, equality, justice and the rule of law.
"Violence has no place in democratic contestation," the Forum said.
Kelvin Bhonzo of Ward 25, Chitungwiza North, died on July 26, 2026, after spending several weeks in hospital. He had reportedly been attacked on June 14 while returning home from Makoni Shopping Centre, where he had been watching a football match.
In a statement, Chamisa described Bhonzo's death as a politically motivated murder, saying political violence remains an unacceptable scourge that must be eradicated.
According to Chamisa, witnesses identified Bhonzo's attackers as ZANU PF supporters who allegedly assaulted him with machetes and bricks while accusing him of supporting the rejection of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3).
Chamisa said Bhonzo was initially admitted to Chitungwiza Hospital before being transferred to CitiMed Hospital for specialist treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all citizens mourning this tragic loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace," Chamisa said, describing Bhonzo as a "Citizen Volunteer" and a "Citizens Hero."
The Constitution Defenders Forum, led by human rights lawyer Tendai Biti, also condemned Bhonzo's death in a statement issued on July 28, describing it as a grave attack on constitutionalism and the rule of law.
The organisation said Bhonzo, a political volunteer and resident of Ward 25, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during what it described as a brutal assault by alleged supporters of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3.
It further said Zimbabwe has an obligation under international human rights law not only to refrain from unlawfully taking life but also to protect life by ensuring prompt, independent and effective investigations into suspicious deaths and prosecuting those responsible.
The Forum called for an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bhonzo's death, saying all perpetrators, whether private individuals or State actors, should be identified and held accountable in accordance with the law.
Beyond the killing, the CDF expressed concern over what it described as growing political intolerance in Zimbabwe.
The organisation cited a recent Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) statement seeking information on the whereabouts of activist MaDzibaba veShanduko over allegations of undermining police authority, arguing that the move, coming shortly after his acquittal and release from prolonged detention, suggested the weaponisation of law enforcement to intimidate dissenting voices.
The Forum also criticised the arrest and continued detention of Bhekimpilo Mbedzi for allegedly expressing an intention to participate in the planned July 31 protests, saying citizens intending to engage in peaceful demonstrations should be protected rather than persecuted.
"While law enforcement agencies have a legitimate mandate to investigate suspected criminal conduct, the Constitution guarantees every Zimbabwean the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly and equal protection before the law," the CDF said.
The organisation urged political parties, State institutions, law enforcement agencies and citizens to reject political violence and recommit themselves to constitutional values, including human dignity, equality, justice and the rule of law.
"Violence has no place in democratic contestation," the Forum said.
Source - Pindula
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