Zimbabwe opposition party activist found dead following reported abduction
Opposition activist abducted during a political campaign near Harare has been found dead, according to the Citizens Coalition for Change party This marks the second abduction of an opposition member in recent weeks Tragic loss for Zimbabwe's political landscape
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party reported on Monday that an opposition activist in Zimbabwe has been discovered dead following his abduction on Saturday during a political campaign near Harare. This incident marks the second abduction of an opposition party member in recent weeks. Tapfumaneyi Masaya was allegedly forced into a vehicle by unidentified individuals while campaigning for the CCC's candidate in the upcoming by-elections on December 9th.
Promise Mkwananzi, spokesperson for the CCC, informed Reuters on Tuesday that Masaya had been subjected to torture before being abandoned on the outskirts of Harare.
According to Mkwananzi, Masaya's remains were subsequently transported to Parirenyatwa Hospital's mortuary, located approximately 5km away from downtown Harare. There, CCC members who had been actively looking for him were able to positively identify his body.
Reuters could not independently verify the events.
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa secured a second term in office despite a controversial election that received criticism from international observers who deemed it below democratic benchmarks.
The appointment of his son and nephew as government ministers has sparked widespread outrage against Zimbabwe's president. The country has a troubling past of enforced disappearances and deaths of political activists, with the opposition frequently blaming the ruling ZANU-PF party for torture and fatalities among its members.
The recent abduction and murder of Masaya occurred just two weeks after CCC lawmaker Takudzwa Ngadziore was subjected to similar treatment, being abducted, tortured, and left near Harare by armed individuals. Fortunately, Ngadziore survived the ordeal.
The police have announced that an investigation has been initiated following the discovery of a body in the same area where Masaya was reportedly found. However, the identity of the victim has yet to be determined.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi informed Reuters on Tuesday that no additional information is available.
Mkwananzi expressed the urgency for the police to fulfill their responsibilities and swiftly bring all these abductors to justice.
Zimbabwe's opposition parties have been demanding a new election ever since President Emmerson Mnangagwa won a second term in August. Nelson Chamisa, the leader of CCC, characterized the vote as a massive fraud, whereas the ruling ZANU-PF party has denied any allegations of fraud.
