HARARE – The political situation in Zimbabwe is seemingly deteriorating amid the ongoing arbitrary arrests of opposition activists, civil society members and the general closure of democratic space.
Over 100 political activists are already in custody over flimsy allegations connected with plans to hold public demonstrations during the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) 44th Ordinary Summit.
The President of the Transform Zimbabwe party, Jacob Ngarivhume, on Friday afternoon, was reportedly picked up at his residence by unidentified individuals, believed to be state security agents.
Former Zengeza West Member of Parliament, Job Sikhala, confirmed the development saying Ngarivhume was picked up by unknown persons in an unmarked Toyota Fortuner GD6 vehicle. Said Sikhala:
“Jacob Ngarivhume, the President of Transform Zimbabwe, has just been picked at his house by unknown people in an unmarked Toyota Fortuner GD6 motor vehicle,” Sikhala posted on his X handle.
Ngarivhume spokesperson Justin Makota also confirmed the issue.
The regime in June arrested Jameson Timba, leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction, and 78 opposition activists, known as the Avondale-78.
They were accused of attending an unauthorised gathering at Timba’s Avondale residence in Harare to mark the Day of the African Child.
Despite multiple bail applications, they remain incarcerated awaiting trial.
Further arrests have been made, including Kariba legislator John Houghton and a dozen party activists, who were charged after staging a peaceful protest in the resort town to demand the release of their colleagues.
In another incident, Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi, and Vusumuzi Moyo, four prominent human rights defenders, were forcibly removed from a flight at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
They were subsequently charged with disorderly conduct, a move that has further fueled concerns about the deteriorating state of democratic freedoms and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
Observers believe that the ongoing arrests are meant to frighten opposition activists who are allegedly planning to embarrass Mnangagwa during the SADC Summit.
