Zimbabwe police say they have detained two top leaders of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) following an outbreak of violence at a funeral wake of slain Moreblessing Ali, whose mutilated remains were recovered from a disused well in Nyatsime, Beatrice.
In a statement, police said CCC’s Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole were arrested in connection with violence in the area.
Police said, “The Zimbabwe Police has intensified investigations into the Nyatsime public violence incident which occurred on 14th June, 2022.
“Besides the arrest of Job Sikhala last night, the police has arrested Godfrey Sithole for inciting public violence. The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that comprehensive inquiries are underway to account for suspects whose vehicle registration number plates were captured whilst they were openly dropping some political activists to engage in violence.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that a two-roomed house was burnt in Nyatsime, while twenty others were destroyed by violent activists with 13 shops and six tuck shops’ windows smashed, shattered and destroyed at Chabhanguza shopping center.”
Police added that a gazebo at the shopping center was also set ablaze while a pre-school was destroyed.
“Seven complainants have made reports to the police on assault and damages to their property during the orgy of public violence in Nyatsime. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has established that four vehicles which were parked at Chibhanguza garage were destroyed.”
But CCC strongly believe that the police are only arrested their members and not Zanu PF activists.
In a tweet, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said, “We are receiving reports that the home, car and shop of CCC member, Audius Makomatsi have been burnt in Nyatsime following the memorial service of Moreblessing Ali who disappeared & was murdered. Nobody has been arrested for the murder.
“We are advised that the wife and relatives of Hon @JobSikhala have been denied access to Central Police Station where Hon Sikhala is being held. His car has reportedly been impounded.”
Ali was abducted on May 24th by a suspected Zanu PF activist. Police claim that Pius Jamba is Ali’s dumped boyfriend.