ZANU PF’S CRACKDOWN ON DEMOCRACY ACTIVISTS IN ZIMBABWE

In Zimbabwe, the fight for democracy is ongoing. Recent events show that the ruling party, ZANU PF, is not willing to give up power. The arrest of Job Sikhala and 39 others in Penhalonga highlights the government’s fear of those who organize and speak out. Instead of listening to the people’s call for change, the government chooses to silence them.

Job Sikhala, a well-known activist, was arrested with his colleagues during a National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) meeting. The NDWG is a movement aiming to engage citizens in discussions about the country’s future, not a political party. However, the government viewed this as a threat. The arrests were not just about stopping this meeting; they were meant to send a message to anyone seeking change in Zimbabwe.

Although Sikhala and 39 others were later released, their chief national organizer, Engineer Joelson Mugari, remained in detention. He was denied his essential medication, leading to a critical health situation. Activists had to pressure the police to take him to Mutare General Hospital. This incident reflects the harsh treatment Zimbabweans face under ZANU PF, a regime more concerned with maintaining power than the well-being of its people.

The arrests were conducted brutally. It began when officers from the Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) arrived in a Toyota Hilux with tinted windows. They observed the meeting and left. Shortly after, another vehicle without license plates arrived, carrying members of the Police Intelligence and the Criminal Investigation Department’s Law and Order section. It was evident that something was about to happen. Minutes later, trucks filled with riot police armed with AK-47s stormed the venue, beating and kicking attendees without cause. This is how the ruling party treats those who aspire for a better Zimbabwe.

One police officer even pointed his gun at Dr. Wurayayi Zembe, threatening to shoot him. Despite the threat, Dr. Zembe remained calm. It’s alarming to imagine a country where police can threaten to kill citizens merely for gathering. Sikhala also faced intimidation from the Officer Commanding, who refused to shake his hand, saying, “Ndakarombaka ini. Ko mhepo dzangu dzikazokubata?” This was intended to intimidate, but Sikhala stood firm.

The activists were accused of violating the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), even though their meeting was private. The law doesn’t require clearance for executive meetings. If ZANU PF can hold its politburo meetings without police approval, why should activists be treated differently? The ruling party manipulates the law to target its opponents.

The arrested activists were forced into pickup trucks under heavy rain and taken to Penhalonga Police Station, where they sat on a dirty floor for hours. Later, they were transferred to Mutare Central CID Law and Order, but no formal charges were presented. Instead, four individuals, including Sikhala, Mugari, and Dr. Zembe, were taken for questioning. This is how ZANU PF attempts to intimidate and silence voices advocating for change.

The ruling party is showing signs of desperation, aware of the fractures within its own ranks. Internal conflicts over succession are intensifying, and they fear the public is becoming more aware. Instead of addressing the nation’s issues, they arrest activists. Instead of resolving the economic crisis, they deploy riot police. But these actions won’t deter the populace. Zimbabweans are weary of suffering, corruption, and deceit.

ZANU PF is fearful because it senses that change is imminent. It knows its time is limited. However, no amount of arrests, beatings, or intimidation will halt the movement for democracy. The people of Zimbabwe won’t be silenced indefinitely.

The pressing question is, how long will ZANU PF continue to govern through fear? How long will they choose violence over leadership? The world is observing. History has demonstrated that no dictatorship endures forever.