The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has established a network of peace ambassadors across the country to help victims of torture and other human rights violations.
The move comes amid a wave of attacks on CCC activists and members, who have been abducted, beaten, and tortured by suspected state security agents.
In one recent case, newly elected councillor for Ward 27 in Glen Norah, Womberaiishe Nhende, was abducted and tortured by suspected state agents. Nhende was with his uncle, Sanele Mkhuhlani, when they were abducted near Selbourne Rutledge School in Belvedere on September 3.
The duo was driven to Mapinga, where they were further assaulted before being dumped. Nhende said they were subjected to electric shocks, beaten with sjamboks, and other objects, and were injected with an unknown substance.
CCC National Spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said the party has put in place the peace ambassadors to provide support to victims of torture and other human rights violations.
“We have our peace ambassadors across the country who are ready to respond to any cases of abductions or violations,” Mkhwananzi said. “If we have any members who are subjected to these violations, our peace ambassadors are quick to respond. As it is, they are the ones who assisted Cllr Nhende after they had been dumped in Mapinge.”
Mkwananzi condemned the attacks on CCC activists and members and called on the government to stop the violence.
“We continue to condemn violence against citizens,” Mkwananzi said. “This is an indication that Mnangagwa is angry because he was not elected. All this violence further shows that our comments and those made by SADC and other observer missions were true. At the moment we continue to report these violations to the relevant bodies to show the ruthlessness of Zanu-PF.”
Nhende said he is grateful for the support of the CCC peace ambassadors and called on the government to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.
“I am grateful for the support of the peace ambassadors,” Nhende said. “They have been very helpful to me and my family. I call on the government to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice.”
