HARARE-Newly elected Harare City Deputy Mayor Kudzai Kadzombe has been arrested on a flimsy charge of allegedly assaulting a ZANU PF member during the just- ended disputed elections.
Kadzombe’s arrest follows that of fellow party politicians Maureen Kademaunga, MP for Sunningdale and Tshabalala- Pelandaba lawmaker Ostallos Siziba, on charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property and public violence respectively.
The charges against Kademaunga were quashed in court on Wednesday after the lawmaker had endured a night in a police cell while Siziba is expected to appear in court Friday.
Commenting on the latest arrest, Citizens Coalition for Change ex spokesperson and Mt Pleasant MP, Fadzayi Mahere said charges against Kademaunga were made-up.
“The charges are fabricated. She’s innocent. It’s not a crime to stand against ZANU PF in elections. #FreeHerNow,” she posted on her X account.
CCC says the crackdown on party officials was a deliberate attempt by the Zanu PF led government to silence opponents as the country begins a tough five years ahead under Zanu PF.
“The regime in Harare has once again arrested Councilor Kudzai Kadzombe, our newly elected deputy Mayor for Harare, on baseless charges of assault. This relentless persecution of our members is absolutely unacceptable and serves as further evidence of the illegitimacy of the Harare regime. #FreeKudzie,” it said.
The party said 10 of its members have so far been arrested.
“Just this week, the regime has arrested over 10 of our members, including our two Members of Parliament, Councilor Clayd Mashozhera, and most recently, Deputy Mayor Kudzai Kadzombe, who was arrested this afternoon. This ongoing persecution, specifically targeting our party members, only serves to deepen the already troubling concerns surrounding the election: its disorganized nature, the illegality, the rigging, and the overall chaos it has caused,” said CCC.
