MDC Alliance MP Job Sikhala claims gunshots fired at his home after raid by soldiers

Incoming opposition MP for the MDC Alliance in Zengeza West, Job Sikhala claims he survived an abduction by hiding in a nearby toilet after soldiers allegedly raided his St Mary’s home in Chitungwiza on Wednesday evening.

A few hours before, Sikhala posted an SOS message on his Facebook page, reporting that gunshots had been fired at his house, several hours after party supporters had demonstrated in Harare.

“Gunshots at my house as I speak. Family scared but am reassuring them that I am prepared to die and they should move on if those doing so decide to kill me,” Sikhala wrote on his facebook page.

Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster says three people are dead after the military swept into the capital to disperse opposition supporters protesting Monday’s disputed election results.

Police say they have invoked a strict security act that forbids public gatherings.

Police spokesperson Charity Charamba went on national TV to say they wanted to speak to MDC Alliance senior leaders Tendai Biti and Happymore Chidziva. She said nothing about Sikhala.

Authorities say the military will remain in the capital until “this situation is over,” a reference to opposition protests over alleged manipulation of Monday’s election results.

Home Affairs Minister Obert Mpofu accuses the opposition of using the presence of international election observers to “grandstand” and cause “anarchy.”