Several individuals, including Makoni Central legislator Patrick Sagandira of the CCC (Coalition for Democrats) party and councillor Teddy Chipere, were arrested on Tuesday following allegations of post-election violence in the district. The incidents took place in ward 33 after a run-off election on Monday, where reports indicated that several supporters of the Zanu PF party were injured during clashes.
The initial elections held on August 23 and 24 in ward 33 resulted in a deadlock, as both CCC candidate Priscilla Rujeko Saruwaka and Zanu PF’s Maxwell Japan received an equal number of votes. Consequently, a run-off election was organized on Monday, which saw Zanu PF’s Japan secure 928 votes compared to Saruwaka’s 625 votes. It was after the announcement of these results that the reported violence occurred.
Subsequently, Patrick Sagandira, Teddy Chipere, and other CCC party members were arrested. The CCC Manicaland chairperson, Prosper Mutseyami, confirmed the arrests but asserted that Sagandira was not present in Nyazura, where the violence allegedly took place. He claimed that the charges of political violence were fabricated, stating that Sagandira was apprehended while visiting other detained party members.
Prior to his arrest on Tuesday morning, Sagandira had expressed concerns about being specifically targeted. Meanwhile, Tawanda Mukodza, the Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairperson, reported attending to the injured party supporters in Rusape and requested financial assistance to cover their medical expenses. It was also mentioned that CCC supporters vandalized some shops at Nyazura business center, although attempts to contact the police for comment were unsuccessful.
The accused CCC members are expected to appear in court today.
