Political violence hightens during this pre election period.
By Dickson Bandera
Mbare, Harare – A young man from Mbare has come forward with a harrowing account of a brutal attack by assailants suspected to be ZANU PF supporters. The assault, which left him with severe injuries, is evidence of persistent political violence that remains a critical matter of concern in Zimbabwe.
Keith Tendai Samkange (20) described to this reporter the terrifying ordeal he endured at the hands of the assailants on that fateful night.
“They came to my home in Mbare at night demanding a mining license,” he recounted. “When they knocked, I didn’t open but they forced the door open and identified themselves as security personnel following up on the mining license. I told them I had no idea about any mining license, but they said they would assault me until I produced the license. They kept saying it was a front for my father’s political activities,” said Samkange.
Samkange’s father, a well-known activist who supported the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) under the leadership of the late Morgan Tsvangirai, fled Zimbabwe together with his wife due to ongoing political harassment. Keith stayed behind to look after their property.
According to Keith, the background to the case had also seen violence perpetrated on his parents by people who wanted to grab the mine. These attackers, purportedly ZANU PF supporters, accused the family of using their supposed mining operations to fund opposition activities.
“They beat me up, demanding I hand over the mining license and some valuables in the house. They said they knew my father and mother were against the government, hence we didn’t deserve to benefit from the country’s natural resources. They said they would make us pay for supporting the opposition,” Samkange said, his voice shaking.
The assailants inflicted numerous injuries on Samkange, including a broken arm, multiple bruises, and lacerations. “They hit me with iron bars and sticks. They poured water on me and made me roll over the ground while assaulting me. They kept on saying, ‘We are going to kill you if you don’t cooperate with us.’ I thought I was going to die,” he said, showing the deep gashes on his arms and legs.
Political persecution has long been a significant challenge in Zimbabwe, where dissent against the ruling party is often met with violence and intimidation. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of abuse against opposition supporters, particularly in rural areas where ZANU PF maintains strong control.
“I lodged my case with Mbare police but they have done nothing,” Samkange lamented. “I went to report the attack, but they seemed uninterested. It’s like they are afraid to arrest ZANU PF criminals.”
Samkange’s account is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who oppose the ruling party. His family’s story of fleeing the country to escape persecution is not uncommon in Zimbabwe, where political retribution can have devastating consequences.
But Samkange is determined and sees nothing wrong in fighting for peace and equality. “All we want is to live peacefully,” he said, tears welling up in his eyes. “My father believed in a better Zimbabwe, and now we are being punished for it.”
As Zimbabwe fights for democracy, cases of this nature highlight the urgent need for international attention and intervention to ensure the safety and democratic rights of all Zimbabwean citizens.
