The Movement for Democratic Change formation of Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says it believes the death of Albert Vhiriri, a founder and senior party member who was found unconscious at his Glen View home on Wednesday and died on arrival at Harare Central hospital, was caused by assailants with a political motive.
An MDC statement said neighbors found Vhiriri in lying on the floor of his room in a pool of blood with serious injuries covering his body. It said he was unclothed.
The MDC statement criticized the Zimbabwe National Police, saying the force had done little to counter the climate of violence that has developed in the country in the past few months despite pledges by co-governing parties to desist from violence.
Police spokesman Andrew Phiri said he had no details on the crime, referring VOA to Chief Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka, who did not answer his mobile phone.
Tsvangirai MDC spokesman Douglas Mwonzora said robbery did not appear to be a motive in the slaying, telling VOA reporter Blessing Zulu that the disinterested attitude of the police points to a political motive for the violent crime.
ZANU-PF Harare Province Chairman Amos Midzi declined to comment on Vhiriri’s death, referring all questions to national party spokesman Rugare Gumbo.
When reached, Gumbo said he had not been briefed in the matter.
