Political violence in Chitungwiza, UZA claims ZANU PF assaults on its members
By Delicious Mathuthu
United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) claims its members were heavily assaulted and momentarily abducted by suspected ZANU PF activists in Chitungwiza on Thursday (11/05/2023).
UZA says its members were violently attacked during citizen engagements to rally support for the party ahead of the 2023 elections.
In a statement, UZA said the attackers arrived in black Honda Fit vehicle.
They said the party’s Harare Provincial Youth Leader almost lost an ear and have since reported the matter to the police.
“Our party members, who were peacefully engaging citizens ahead of the elections, were attacked and injured.
“The thugs, who were driving a black Honda fit, attacked our party leaders using weapons.
“The ear of one of our party members was cut with a pliers.
“The victims have since filed a police report at Harare Central Police Station,” the party said.
They say five members of the party were momentarily abducted in their own vehicle before being robbed of their valuables.
“The suspected ZANU-PF members, one of whom is said to be an aspiring MP candidate, attempted to abduct our team of five members.
“The culprits hijacked our party vehicle and drove our members an estimated 11km out of Chitungwiza in an abduction attempt.
“They also robbed our members of their cash, cell phones and other personal items,” the statement said.
UZA condemned the incident and called for peaceful and fair elections.
“Violence has no place in a democratic society. UZA urges everyone to exercise restraint and uphold the principles of a politically plural society in which all political parties are entitled to carry out peaceful election campaigns,” the party said.