The Sunday News
Melinda Ncube, Sunday News Reporter
The small, tight-knit community of Buvuma village in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province, is currently gripped by worry and uncertainty as one of their own, Irene Sibanda, remains missing. Irene, a dedicated member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party in the area, was known for her active involvement in recruiting members and campaigning fervently for the opposition party.
However, Irene’s political activities have not gone unnoticed, especially by members of the ruling Zanu-PF party who had reportedly targeted her in the past. Family members of Irene shared concerning details, revealing that she had been continuously threatened and warned against furthering her involvement with the CCC.
The situation took a grave turn when reports emerged that Irene had been attacked by alleged Zanu-PF supporters while returning from a CCC meeting. While some of her colleagues managed to escape, Irene’s whereabouts have since become a mystery.
A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared their distress; “We heard that Irene was attacked along with some other members, and although she escaped at the time, we are now at a loss as to her current whereabouts. She could be in hiding, injured, or worse – we just don’t know.”
The community member revealed that Irene’s disappearance was not the first time this has happened in their area.
“We have previously had circumstances where opposition activists in the area would disappear and later their bodies discovered in shallow graves, and no one would know what would have happened to them. People are being made to suffer for their political inclination, which is becoming scary,” they said.
As the community awaits any news or leads regarding Irene’s safety, concerns are mounting over the dangers faced by individuals involved in political activism in the region. Calls for a swift investigation into Irene’s disappearance and assurances for her well-being have begun to echo through the village of Buvuma, emphasizing the need for peace and security for all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
The community has also expressed deep concern over the alarming situation, as Irene’s disappearance highlights the challenges faced by political activists in the area. The CCC has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Irene’s disappearance, emphasizing the need for her safe return and for those responsible to be held to account.
