A Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) press conference was disrupted by three men suspected to be law enforcement agents in Harare on Saturday.
Three men pounced on CCC’s newly appointed national spokesperson, Promise Mkhwananzi, while he was addressing members of the media on the 2023 harmonised elections at the SAPES Trust offices in Belgravia.
The CCC alleged that the men were suspected Zanu-PF thugs and members of law enforcement.
“Our press conference has been violently disrupted by suspected ZANU PF thugs and individuals identified as members of law enforcement,” the party said in a statement. “The disruptive team arrived in three vehicles: a Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50, and Toyota Hilux. Their purpose was to disrupt our peaceful press conference.”
The CCC strongly condemned the “unacceptable violent behaviour” by the Zanu-PF thugs and called on the police to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) subsequently issued a warrant of arrest for Mkhwananzi in connection with a case that happened in 2020.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Promise Dalubuhle Mkwananzi is being sought in connection with a warrant of arrest issued by Harare Magistrate Court on 22nd April 2020 for defaulting court proceedings,” read the warrant. “Promise Dalubuhle Mkwananzi is facing incitement to commit public violence charges under Harare Central CR 2627/07/19 and Harare Public Prosecutor reference 11394/2019.”
Prior to the disruption, Mkhwananzi had given a list of some cases of violence that have been reported by CCC members post the August 23 election.
He said for the opposition party, the election had not been peaceful as several members had been exposed to violence.
“The notion of peaceful elections does not capture our experience and we deeply regret to inform the public of various disturbing incidents post the election,” Mkhwananzi said. “Solomon Hodhera of Buhera South was attacked by Ngonidzashe Madukunye, a Zanu-PF candidate at Muzokomba Business Center together with his chief election agent around 3 PM on August 24 while votes were being counted.”
