Published: 2 hours ago

Human rights defenders have condemned the recent bombing of opposition leader Job Sikhala's Chitungwiza home, warning that it signals a renewed campaign of political persecution targeting government critics and their families.

The incident occurred while Sikhala, a former legislator and outspoken government critic, was in South Africa for medical and political engagements. Human rights activist Munacho Humbasha said the attack was "a chilling message to critics of Zanu-PF, both at home and abroad."

Humbasha alleged that Zanu-PF functionaries and state security agents have openly declared "war" on diaspora activists by deliberately targeting their families back home. "Those with houses visited in the widening campaign and searches include that of Petty Ziramba, Panganayi Mauzinyu, Ralph Dube, Fransisca Chiduku, and Shepherd Yuda," he said.

He cited a raid in Mabvuku on the home of the late opposition activist Tonderai Ndira, where unknown men believed to be state agents allegedly stripped the property of household goods and threatened to return. In Harare, suspected operatives reportedly broke into the home of diaspora activist Blessing Makeyi and later into his family home, searching for incriminating material. Makeyi has been active in protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government abroad.

Other families, including that of activist Ralph Dube, have reportedly received threats, while residents in Seke, Chitungwiza, have raised alarm over suspicious visits in recent days.

Despite repeated reports of raids, police have not made any arrests. Efforts to obtain comment from police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi were unsuccessful. Victims and their families argue that the inaction points to state complicity.

"This is meant to punish those of us who are in the UK and elsewhere. Our families are being harassed every day because we speak out," said UK-based activist Melody Magejo in a telephone interview.

A human rights lawyer, who declined to be named, warned that the political environment may deteriorate further as Mnangagwa consolidates power under his "2030 agenda." The lawyer said the use of the Patriotic Act and Cyber Security Act of 2023 could see more arrests of activists engaging on social media. "It is without a doubt that Mnangagwa's government does not want the outside world to know what is happening in the country," the lawyer said.
- NewZimbabwe

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