In a distressing turn of events, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party in Zimbabwe has reported the death of opposition activist Tapfumaneyi Masaya, who was abducted on Saturday during a political campaign near Harare. Masaya, campaigning for the CCC’s candidate ahead of the December 9 by-elections, was forcibly taken by unidentified individuals. The CCC revealed that Masaya had been tortured and later found dumped on the outskirts of Harare.
This incident follows a similar abduction just two weeks ago when CCC lawmaker Takudzwa Ngadziore was also abducted, tortured, and left about 50km north of Harare by armed men. Ngadziore managed to survive the attack.
Zimbabwe has a history of forced disappearances and violence against political activists, with the opposition frequently accusing the ruling ZANU-PF party of torture and attacks on its members. The recent abduction and killing of Masaya underscore the concerning trend of political violence in the country.
The CCC, awaiting police investigations, identified Masaya’s body in a mortuary at Parirenyatwa Hospital, near Harare. However, police have yet to confirm the victim’s identity. The opposition party is urging a thorough investigation and swift justice for those responsible for the abductions.
Zimbabwe’s opposition parties have been calling for a fresh election since President Emmerson Mnangagwa secured a second term in August. CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has labeled the previous vote as a “gigantic fraud,” while ZANU-PF denies any fraudulent activities. The escalating violence against opposition members raises concerns about the state of democracy and political stability in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into these incidents.