Mnangagwa Says Security Forces Ready to Crush Zimbabwe Opposition

  • Gibbs Dube

Injured Citizens Coalition for Change activists at a local hospital

President Emmerson Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe’s security forces are on high alert and ready to crush the opposition, which he accuses of organizing violent activities ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Speaking at his party’s Politburo meeting in Harare today, Mnangagwa also said Zanu PF will use the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) voter registration numbers to do a countrywide auditing of actual voters for forthcoming polls.

“The security systems are fully aware of various antics at play and stand ready to appropriately deal with such mischief. Peace, unity and tranquility must continue to prevail in our motherland Zimbabwe.”

The main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa dismissed Mnangagwa’s remarks, saying they are a non-violent party. CCC accused Mnangagwa and his ruling party of launching a crackdown on its members, leading to the arrest of lawmakers - Job Sikhala, Godfrey Sithole and others.

Sikhala and others are accused of inciting political violence in Nyatsime where a CCC member, Moreblessing Ali, was butchered by suspected Zanu PF activists and her body tossed into a disused well.

In its latest report, the Zimbabwe Peace Project said it recorded more than 20 incidents of political violence in the country in June this year. According to the ZPP report, some of the alleged perpetrators are Zanu PF officials and junior members.

ZPP also noted that Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and former Vice President Kembo Mohadi have urged traditional leaders to support the ruling party of face dire consequences.