Crackdown continues as another CCC MP arrested over holding a meeting

Another opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP has been arrested in connection with charges of holding an “unsanctioned” meeting in Budiriro.

CCC confirmed in a statement the arrest of Budiriro MP Costa Machingauta.

“We’ve received a report that our MP, Hon Costa Machingauta has been arrested in connection with the Budiriro internal party meeting which was held at his private residence on Saturday, bringing the number of the dragnet arrest to 26. They are innocent,” read the statement.

Police on Saturday reportedly fired teargas at an opposition party gathering in Budiriro before arresting 25 of its members including MP Amos Chibaya.

This means that the number of opposition activists arrested over Saturday’s incident now is 26.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said it was an unauthorized meeting.

“It was an unsanctioned gathering according to the local authorities who is the officer commanding Budiriro. I am receiving numerous reports that people were beaten, we will release a full statement in due course,” Nyathi said.

The wave of politically motivated violence against opposition supporters in both urban and rural Zimbabwe is rising ahead of 2023 elections.

Two weeks ago, overzealous members of the ruling Zanu-PF party viciously assaulted elderly men and women and interrogated them for attending a gathering of the CCC in Murewa.

A video which went viral showed Zanu-PF thugs accosting villagers and flogging them ruthlessly with logs for convening in a meeting in Bhunu, Murehwa, Mashonaland East.