The Sunday News
Sunday News Reporter
MDC-Alliance activists and their civil society partners have reportedly gone into hiding after taking part in post-election demonstrations which degenerated into an orgy of looting, vandalism and lawlessness.
The pre-planned demonstrations, which were supported by foreign-funded non-governmental organisations and social groups saw a number of activists being picked up for questioning by police details.
Some of the activists from Bulawayo that have reportedly gone into hiding include; Ngqabutho Ndlovu, Petra Rumbidzai Mashamba and Nkosana Moyo.
The three were reportedly part of a group of activists who were part of newly elected Makokoba MP, Alderman James Sithole campaign team and were responsible for Ald Sithole’s door to door campaigns, distributing fliers and putting up posters.
A source revealed the three were initially picked up for questioning over allegations of instigating violence for their political activities. They were however released and ordered to report daily to the police.
“It is not clear why they were arrested because their only crime was campaigning for the MDC Alliance. As it is they are contemplating skipping the country as they fear being arrested and further detained,” said the source.
Ald Sithole confirmed his agents’ arrest but said he was not aware of their whereabouts.
“These three were part of my campaign team on the ground, with Mashamba being the team leader. I am not sure why they were arrested but I believe it was just to intimidate them. After they were released they just disappeared, the last they spoke to me they said they feared for their lives,” said the newly elected MP.
At least three people have died in the disturbances by MDC Alliance supporters who were incited by reckless statements from their leaders.
MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has been making inflammatory statements at his rallies calling his supporters to engage in anarchy in the event of a loss and yesterday’s violence cannot be divorced from his reckless utterances.
