Family almost burnt to death in political skirmishes

Sunday News Reporter

A NKULMANE family were almost burnt to death in their own house in suspected political related clashes, it has been learnt.

Mr Mzingaye Mpofu, a known opposition political activist in the suburb, who constantly held campaigns encouraging youths to vote for their political party of their choice is said to have been targeted by Youths from the ruling Zanu-PF party who accused him of campaign against the ruling party.

According to sources, Mr Mpofu together with his wife, Ms Retrive Ncube and their five-year-old daughter were reportedly attacked by a group of marauding youths who accused him of meddling in opposition politics in the guise of philanthropic work.

Mr Mpofu usually held cleanup campaigns in the suburb and would also help feed the elderly in the suburb.

“The couple were initially beaten up by the youths, tied them on a tree, threatening to burn them alive. When they managed to escape and lock themselves in the house, the youths then attempted to burn down the house.

“Although the couple managed to extinguish the fire, with the help of neighbours, they immediately packed and disappeared from the suburb, together with their daughter, informing us that they were not comfortable in the suburb. Word is they moved to their Gwanda rural home but we are also not sure,” said a neighbour who declined to be named.

It was further revealed that Mr Mpofu, despite claiming that he was not a member of any particular political part, also operated a number of WhatsApp platforms where he would distribute opposition party materials.

“I guess his influence was now seen as a threat within the ruling party as it was believed he was also using strategies that were also being used by Zanu-PF. He was largely a popular figure and had risen to become an opinion leader hence the attack on him and his family,” said the source.

The Bulawayo Fire Brigade, in a statement confirmed having attended to a suspected case of arson at the house in Nkulumane but revealed that when they got to the scene they found the fire having been contained.