Zimbabwean police on Wednesday used batons, tear gas and water cannons to disperse supporters of the main opposition party who had gathered outside its building in the capital to listen to a speech by their leader. The latest police action comes as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) accuses President Emmerson Mnangagwa of adopting the heavy-handed tactics of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe who died on 5 September. On Sunday, Mnangagwa defended his record in an opinion piece carried by CNBC Africa, saying his administration was opening up political and media space.
But police have this year banned several MDC gatherings, saying they feared the events would turn violent. Hundreds of police blocked roads leading to MDC headquarters in Harare but supporters continued to gather, singing and chanting before the arrival of party leader Nelson Chamisa, who was set to address them.
A few minutes after Chamisa entered the party building, police charged the crowd with batons and fired tear gas, causing a stampede, according to Reuters witnesses. Police officers declined to comment. MDC officials said the skirmishes once again showed that the opposition party was a victim of government brutality.
“The MDC strongly condemns that violent attack by the police on the citizens who had peacefully gathered outside our (headquarters). This kind of barbaric brutality is totally unacceptable in Zimbabwe,” MDC national spokesman Daniel Molokelo said in a statement.
Sight of mayhem in Harare as police brutally unleash premeditated violence, under #MOPA without any warning, on peaceful MDC members going to #HarvestHouse for the #HONA address by @nelsonchamisa! pic.twitter.com/5tnrDqjPBB
— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) November 20, 2019
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Hunky actor Joe Kazadi, who shot to fame when he appeared on The Queen, reckons that black men are under spiritual attack. Since appearing on the Mzansi Magic soapie, Joe has become a favourite with the ladies.
Taking to his Instagram account, the actor advised his followers to “speak to God about their problems, because black men are under spiritual attack. Read more
Source: eNCA