HARARE – Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga has told election observers in Harare that Tinashe Chitsunge was run over by a truck, in what could further distance a group of Zanu PF supporters from the alleged killing of the CCC activist.
Chitsunge was among a group of CCC supporters in Harare’s Glenview suburb who came under fierce attack by stone throwing Zanu PF supporters early this month as they went about their party campaigns for next week’s harmonised elections.
CCC claims the activist died in a hail of stones by political rivals.
Briefing observers on preparations for the holding of elections on Wednesday, Matanga said post-mortem results on the death of the activist were still to come out.
“The deceased Tinashe Chitsunge, aged 44, of number 768, Fifth Street Glenview was run over by a truck during the course of politically motivated violence,” said the police boss.
“It is important to note that we have since arrested a total of 15 suspects in connection with this issue and all of them are being charged with public violence.
“They have since appeared before the Magistrates Court and were remanded out of custody on US$100 bail each. Currently, we are awaiting post-mortem to determine cause of death.”
The suspects will be back in court on 11 September this year.
Commenting on the prevailing situation in the country ahead of the crunch poll, Matanga said the political climate has been largely peaceful.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has put in place a cocktail of measures to ensure that the elections are held in a conducive environment that facilitates free, fair, peaceful and credible elections.
“The period leading up to elections has thus far been generally peaceful.
“However, we have witnessed some few isolated incidences of both intra and inter party politically motivated violence,” he said.
Matanga said adequate deployments of police officers have been made across the country to ensure that the peace being experienced in the country continues even beyond the polls.
“We have deployed adequate officers. In addition, we have roped in Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services officers so that we boost our deployments.
“We want to assure the invited and accredited observer missions that their safety is guaranteed. We will continue to monitor the situation,” he said.
Zimbabweans go to the polls next Wednesday to elect the president, national assembly members and representatives for local authorities.
