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'CIO' attempt to disrupt private birthday bash
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Suspected State security operatives allegedly tried to halt a private birthday celebration for Patrick Cheza's grandmother, sparking concern among locals about the government's respect for individual privacy rights.
Cheza, the former Chirumanzu South candidate in the August 2023 elections, organized a birthday party at his family homestead to celebrate his maternal grandmother, Gogo Taruza Maruwana, who turned 112 on Saturday last week.
However, the private event was reportedly disrupted when police officers and suspected operatives from the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) appeared around the perimeter fence of the homestead, causing unease among attendees.
Efforts to obtain immediate comment from Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko were unsuccessful.
Cheza told Southern Eye that he was contacted by police a day before the event, who warned that the gathering might be misconstrued as a political rally and requested it be cancelled.
"It is quite shocking that in a democracy, police visit people's homes and attempt to stop private functions like birthdays," Cheza said.
"Despite assuring them this was a purely family occasion, the State security agents returned on the day itself. I had to let them in and explain that I was honouring my grandmother. That is when they left," he added.
During the celebration, Cheza appealed for unity and development within the community, emphasizing that the occasion was a personal milestone and not political.
"All who came today for my grandmother's birthday are welcome. This is not a political gathering, but a celebration for a long life," he said.
"My maternal grandmother raised me from a young age. I am who I am because of her, and I thank God for blessing her with such longevity."
Cheza's wife, Cynthia, described Gogo Maruwana as a spiritual leader and pillar of the community.
"Gogo Maruwana is a prayer warrior and a strong advocate for development. We are blessed to have her, not just in our family but in the wider community," she said.
Born on June 14, 1913, Gogo Maruwana is a devout Catholic. In honour of her remarkable life, the Roman Catholic Church held a special service before the birthday celebration.
The incident has left many questioning the government's commitment to upholding personal freedoms and the sanctity of private family events.
Cheza, the former Chirumanzu South candidate in the August 2023 elections, organized a birthday party at his family homestead to celebrate his maternal grandmother, Gogo Taruza Maruwana, who turned 112 on Saturday last week.
However, the private event was reportedly disrupted when police officers and suspected operatives from the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) appeared around the perimeter fence of the homestead, causing unease among attendees.
Efforts to obtain immediate comment from Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko were unsuccessful.
Cheza told Southern Eye that he was contacted by police a day before the event, who warned that the gathering might be misconstrued as a political rally and requested it be cancelled.
"It is quite shocking that in a democracy, police visit people's homes and attempt to stop private functions like birthdays," Cheza said.
"Despite assuring them this was a purely family occasion, the State security agents returned on the day itself. I had to let them in and explain that I was honouring my grandmother. That is when they left," he added.
"All who came today for my grandmother's birthday are welcome. This is not a political gathering, but a celebration for a long life," he said.
"My maternal grandmother raised me from a young age. I am who I am because of her, and I thank God for blessing her with such longevity."
Cheza's wife, Cynthia, described Gogo Maruwana as a spiritual leader and pillar of the community.
"Gogo Maruwana is a prayer warrior and a strong advocate for development. We are blessed to have her, not just in our family but in the wider community," she said.
Born on June 14, 1913, Gogo Maruwana is a devout Catholic. In honour of her remarkable life, the Roman Catholic Church held a special service before the birthday celebration.
The incident has left many questioning the government's commitment to upholding personal freedoms and the sanctity of private family events.
Source - Southern Eye
