Online Reporter
Faith Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
The family of Muchineripi Munemo, a founding member of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and his wife Rujeko Mutopo, has reported escalating harassment by police and unknown security operatives, 22 years after the couple went into hiding.
The renewed interest comes after authorities claim to have intelligence suggesting Munemo was recently spotted in Harare.
“My brother was one of the earliest supporters of the MDC when it was formed in 1999. He was instrumental in recruiting most supporters in Chitungwiza during those early days when the party was establishing itself,” said Thomas Munemo, a family member who spoke on condition that his real name be withheld for security reasons.
The case highlights the persistent nature of political persecution in Zimbabwe, which has historically targeted MDC supporters and their families.
The situation is particularly complex as Rujeko Mutopo, Munemo’s wife, was previously employed as a secretary to then-Agriculture Minister Joseph Made, a senior ZANU-PF official.
“Rujeko’s position in Minister Made’s office made her a target. She was accused of leaking confidential ZANU-PF information to her husband to aid MDC’s recruitment efforts. The pressure became unbearable, forcing them to flee,” the family member explained.
The couple’s case reflects the broader pattern of political violence and intimidation that characterized Zimbabwe’s political landscape in the early 2000s, particularly targeting MDC supporters.
Their escape to South Africa mirrors the experience of many Zimbabwean political refugees who fled during this period.
“As far as we know, they managed to reach South Africa where they’ve had three children. But now we’re extremely worried because the harassment has intensified, and we’ve received disturbing news that their son, Wayne Katlego Mabe, had his property in South Africa burned down under suspicious circumstances,” the relative revealed.
The family’s concerns about their safety, even in South Africa, are not unfounded. Recent reports indicate ongoing challenges faced by Zimbabwean political refugees in South Africa, including vulnerability to cross-border political persecution.
The situation is further complicated by the complex relationship between Zimbabwe’s security forces and South African authorities regarding political refugees.
“The authorities continue to torment us about their whereabouts, and it’s clear they’re still interested in arresting them after all these years. What’s most concerning is that the family doesn’t seem safe even in South Africa,” the relative added.
The case highlights the enduring nature of political persecution in Zimbabwe and raises questions about the safety of political refugees in South Africa. It also underscores the challenges faced by families of political activists who continue to face harassment long after their relatives have fled the country.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson could not be reached for comment at the time of publication. Human rights organizations have long documented cases of continued persecution of MDC supporters and their families, with many cases dating back to the early 2000s when political violence was particularly severe.
