Vusumuzi Dube
Sunday News Reporter
The family of former MDC Muzarabani South parliamentary candidate, Faith Kamutsungira, is embroiled in a harrowing ordeal as escalating violence and intimidation linked to her vocal opposition against the ruling Zanu-PF party have forced them into hiding. Kamutsungira, who entered politics at a young age, gained significant popularity in Mashonaland Central province for her outspoken criticism of the government, making her a target for Zanu-PF agents.
A relative of the family revealed, “Faith and her husband, Tapera Sengweni, have since gone into hiding after they were severely attacked at their home. They live in constant fear for their lives.” The situation has only worsened, as their son, Shungu Musarurwa, has become the focus of recent attacks. He was assaulted for allegedly refusing to disclose the whereabouts of his parents, further illustrating the lengths to which these agents will go to silence dissent.
In August 2023, Shungu was abducted, only to be found three days later, drugged and beaten. He spent three weeks recovering in the hospital from the brutal attack. The violence did not end there; in March, he was arrested on accusations of withholding information about his parents’ location, enduring three months in prison without formal charges. Although he has since been released on bail, his health continues to deteriorate.
“This is a nightmare that our family cannot escape,” the relative lamented, highlighting the psychological and physical toll the ongoing persecution has taken on Shungu and the family as a whole. The situation underscores the perilous environment for those who dare to oppose the ruling party in Zimbabwe and raises urgent questions about the safety and protection of political dissenters and their families. As the Kamutsungira family navigates this crisis, the broader implications of political violence in the country remain alarmingly clear.
Online Reporter