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Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, is pleading for help from South Africa and the United Nations.

The MDC leader says the country is in a political crisis.

It follows the alleged abduction, sexual assault, and torture of one of the party’s female MPs and two youth leaders.

Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova were allegedly kidnapped at a roadblock in Harare.

The women were returning from a protest against lack of government support for the needy during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Families and lawyers spent 3 days trying to find the trio.

They were eventually found dumped about 90 kilometres outside Harare.

They are now recovering in hospital and say they were tortured and sexually assaulted.

“They were beating us thoroughly. They were beating us under our feet and our back. There were using hands, sticks and guns,” said MDC youth leader, Chimbiri.

“They were thoroughly beaten, thoroughly assaulted and even sexually assaulted. In fact, it’s a very sad story when you listen to them, they are traumatised. These people had guns, these people were saying why is it that you want to revolt against government?,” added Chamisa.

Police deny the three were in their custody.

Chamisa says the political situation is deteriorating and regional and international bodies must intervene.

He says South Africa as a neighbour and President Cyril Ramaphosa as AU Chairperson must take the lead.

“It’s so difficult that’s why we need the international community to help us, this is why the United Nations must help us, this why SADC and AU should help us, President Ramaphosa please lead us, help us to help ourselves. We are going to stand as Zimbabweans, but ultimately we need an international hand,” he said.

Amnesty International called the incident alarming, saying if they were taken by security forces it is a crime under international law.

ENCA