Online Reporter
Vuyisile Mlilo, Sunday News Reporter
In a shocking turn of events, supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were brutally attacked by riot police while holding a meeting at the New Lobengula community hall in Bulawayo.
The incident occurred when police descended on the group, accusing them of conducting an illegal gathering without prior clearance. This accusation comes despite the fact that the MDC had reportedly informed the officer in charge of their proposed meeting, in accordance with legal requirements.
The violence erupted as riot police forcibly dispersed the attendees, leading to several injuries among the supporters, some of whom required hospitalization at Mpilo Hospital. Among those attacked were prominent MDC district youth leaders, including Ntando Dube, Sikhangezile Ncube, Zibusiso Shumba, Alice Muleya, and Doreen Shumba. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with police using excessive force against unarmed individuals.
One supporter who attended the meeting, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed their belief that the group was specifically targeted due to the increasing popularity of the MDC in the New Lobengula suburb. “We did everything according to the law to hold this meeting, but the riot police still came after us,” the supporter stated. “Our party membership has been growing, and our meetings have been attracting larger crowds, which may have made us a target.”
Despite the violence, the supporters sought to report the incident to the local police station, only to be met with further hostility. “When we tried to report what happened, the police refused to listen to us,” the member revealed. “Instead of assisting us, they threatened us with further arrest and detention. It’s clear they do not want to hear our side of the story.”
The brutal crackdown on MDC supporters raises serious concerns about the state of political freedoms and human rights in Zimbabwe, particularly in the lead-up to upcoming elections. As the situation unfolds, the MDC and its supporters continue to advocate for their rights, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful assembly and democratic engagement.
Bongani Ndlovu