Online Reporter
Chronicle Reporter
A family in Tshebetshebe village, Lupane district, has raised serious concerns about the safety of their relative, Sukoluhle Mhlanga, who has been forced into hiding following repeated intimidation and violence allegedly perpetrated by ZANU-PF supporters.
Speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals, a family member revealed that Mhlanga was a well-known Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporter, a local business lady, former teacher and an inspiration to young women in the community.
“Sukoluhle has been very active in assisting women and youth in Lupane in doing various empowerment projects and also using his teaching experience to teach them regardless of political affiliation. This made her a target of ZANU-PF members who thought that she was using her popularity to recruit the community to support the CCC. This resulted in them threatening her for months,” the relative explained.
The family member detailed a horrific incident from January when Mhlanga was allegedly abducted from her home at night. “They came while she was sleeping, dragged her out, and subjected her to severe beating and sexual assault,” the relative said, fighting back tears. “She identified one of her attackers as Scot Sibanda, the local war veterans’ leader, but despite this she feared reporting the matter to the police as past experience had shown that such matters are usually swept under the carpet and her attackers had threatened her never to report the issue or face the consequences.”
This pattern of political intimidation aligns with documented cases where war veterans have been instrumental in maintaining political control and influencing electoral outcomes in rural areas. The use of violence and intimidation, particularly against opposition supporters, has been a recurring strategy.
The latest incident that forced Mhlanga into hiding occurred after she refused to attend a ZANU-PF rally despite receiving anonymous calls ordering her to participate. “Unknown people held a vigil outside her homestead all night. We strongly believe they intended to harm her,” the family member stated.
The case mirrors numerous documented instances where women have been targeted with gender-based violence as a form of political intimidation. Human rights organizations have reported that such violence is often used to punish women for their political activities or affiliations.
“We don’t know where she is now, and we’re extremely worried about her safety,” the relative added. “This kind of intimidation has become common in rural areas, where opposition supporters are often declared persona non grata.”
The relative revealed that even after her disappearance, the family continued to be harassed as they were accused of concealing Sukoluhle’s whereabouts.
“It’s a nightmare, we are living in continuous fear as we are also being targeted.”
Villagers interviewed becried that in Sukoluhle, they had lost an individual who was of great assistance in the village.
“That lady would supply local businesses and villagers with vegetables, chicken and even assist the less privileged, she was of great assistance in uplifting the entire village and now we have just lost her,” said a villager who spoke to this publication.
The incident reflects a broader pattern of political repression in Zimbabwe’s rural areas, where traditional leaders and war veterans often work in concert with the ruling party to restrict opposition activities. Human Rights Watch has documented numerous cases where ZANU-PF supporters and state security officials have engaged in violence, intimidation, and harassment aimed at opposition members.
Attempts to reach local ZANU-PF leadership and Mr. Sibanda for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The case has raised fresh concerns about the safety of opposition supporters in rural areas, particularly women who face double jeopardy due to both their gender and political affiliation. Human rights organizations continue to document such abuses while advocating for the protection of women’s rights and political freedoms in Zimbabwe’s increasingly tense political environment.
