MDC Alliance legislator for Harare West, Joanna Mamombe and two party youth leaders were abducted by police officers at a roadblock at the National Sports Stadium in Warren Park, Harare, on Wednesday.
State aligned media outlets have indicated that the trio was taken away by the police to an unknown destination allegedly for leading an anti-government protest over the poor handling of the Covid-19 outbreak and hunger by government.
Mamombe was arrested together with Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova all members of the opposition party youth wing leadership.
A minor skirmish by some residents of Harare’s high density suburb of Warren Park allegedly earlier took place as they complained over the lack of government food aid relief during the national lockdown.
Questioned by ZimEye.com on the whereabouts of the trio, Police Commission General Godwin Matanga expressed ignorance on the trio’s arrest and whereabouts albeit hours after the incident. He referred ZimEye.com to police spokesperson Paul Nyathi who also would not speak on the issue.
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Earlier reports indicated that the trio was detained at Harare Central Police Station by the CID Law and Order division but follow ups on the report indicated that they were not at the police station.
MDC Youth Assembly National spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, in a statement Wednesday, confirmed the arrests while also condemning the Zanu PF led government for suppressing the rights of the young politicians.
“MDC Youth Assembly condemns in strongest terms the illegal arrest of National Vice Chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organ Netsai Marova and Secretary for Policy and Research, Hon Joana Mamombe.
“The trio are currently illegally held in custody at Harare Central Police Station.
“As usual, the police are still to place charges on the trio. It is clear that the corrupt, illegitimate and failed Emmerson Mnangagwa regime has engaged the panic gear hence these unjustified arrests,” said Chuma.
He vowed the MDC Alliance youth wing will not sit idle while Mnangagwa and his government harassed the opposition.
“As an Assembly, we are not going to be intimidated in our resolve to pursue the National Democratic Agenda.
“We declare and demand for the unconditional release of our leaders. Either the rogue regime release our leaders or face retribution from angry and hungry masses. Enough is enough!” warned Chuma.