HARARE – A Zanu PF thug accused of having knowledge about the disappearance of Citizens Coalition for Change activist Moreblessing Ali has allegedly told police: “When you have failed to find her, come back and tell me.”
Simba Chisango, said to be the local Zanu PF leader in the Nyatsime area of Chitungwiza, has been interviewed by police over the 46-year-old’s abduction and disappearance last week.
Chisango’s half-brother identified as Piyas Jambo has also been implicated. The two brothers allegedly lead the local militia and have been heard boasting that police are afraid of them.
Police on Monday said they were investigating Ali’s disappearance. On Saturday, the local MP for Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole met investigators following up on progress in the probe.
Zanu PF supporters joined a police search of a wooded area in Nyatsime over the weekend, Ali’s relatives told ZimLive.
Chisango, who has allegedly been hostile to investigators, reportedly told police they should approach him if they fail to make headway.
Ali was last seen at around 9PM on May 24 outside Chibhanguza Night Club. Witnesses said a Zanu PF mob was attacking opposition supporters at the shopping centre and Ali was feared to have been badly hurt.
It is claimed that she was last seen being thrown into a vehicle which sped off.
Ali had been at the Chibanguza Shopping Centre with her friend and neighbour Mairo Kiriyani, who fled after she was allegedly attacked with a catapult.
Kiriyani and Ali’s two children, Silence and Nyasha, were too terrified to speak to a ZimLive journalist.
At Chisango’s home in the neighbourhood, our correspondent observed him sitting on a pile of logs surrounded by about a dozen men, thought to be his henchmen behind the terror attacks on opposition party supporters.
“He’s untouchable,” a neighbour said. “Officers at the small local police base are accustomed to his threats and he is known to demand the release of his henchmen when they’re arrested.”
Ali is employed by Chitungwiza municipality. She has been a community mobiliser for the main opposition party for more than 20 years, her family said.
Job Sikhala, the MP for nearby Zengeza West constituency, said they had been informed that Nyatsime falls under Beatrice police whose command is in Chivhu. Beatrice police are understood to be leading the investigation.
Harare provincial police spokesman Inspector Julius Chakanza confirmed an investigation was underway.
“Check with police headquarters on your issue, we have sent them details,” Chakanza said.
National police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was in a meeting.
