Zanu PF businessman severely assaults MDC activist

By Henry Makiwa
5 December 2007

A Zanu PF businessman severely assaulted an MDC activist in Marondera last week after an MDC rally.

Regina Silas had attended a rally by the opposition party at Dhirihori Shopping Center near Marondera town, when Isiah Mpazviriho beat her up, accusing her of bringing agents of “western imperialists” near his business. Mpazviriho is understood to own a general store at the shopping centre and is an influential family member of the clan that heads the village.

According to witnesses at the scene, Mpazviriho struck Silas with bricks, clenched fists and booted feet. She had to be taken to hospital in nearby Marondera.

MDC member Ian Kay said: “This incident happened after a police sanctioned and attended rally by the MDC, so the police are aware of it. We have reported to Igava Police Post and Marondera Police Station and we now await police action into the matter. So far we have not heard much from the police except an assurance that they will act upon the case.”

The partisan police force has in the past allowed Zanu PF’s supporters to go free after perpetrating violence against the opposition. The case again raises questions about the sincerity of the ruling party in it’s talks with the MDC, due to the on-going violence against the opposition.