Farai Dziva|State security agents ransacked Transform Zimbabwe leader, Jacob Ngarivhume’s residence on Tuesday afternoon and it is feared they could plant explosives or weapons as part of a calculated move to nail him.
Transform Zimbabwe has called for the immediate and unconditional release Ngarivhume and prominent journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.
The two were arrested on Monday for allegedly “inciting public violence.”
See full statement below:
TRANSFORM ZIMBABWE PRESIDENT, JACOB NGARIVHUME ABDUCTED
AT GUNPOINT BY POLICE DETAILS
Transform Zimbabwe party is greatly incensed by the abduction of President Jacob Ngarivhume
from Waterfalls this morning. Five individuals in full riot combat attire forcefully dragged
Ngarivhume into a white Toyota Quantum which did not have any police insignia while two
individuals where pointing guns at him threatening to shoot should he resist being chained.
Ngarivhume was walking in his neighbourhood with an aid at the time of the abduction which
was around 1110hrs. The abduction occurred in full view of terrified neighbours.
The individuals
who abducted Ngarivhume had no warrant of arrest, did not inform him at the time of the
abduction why they were abducting him and used excessive force including pointing guns at
him. Ngarivhume was allowed to communicate his whereabouts after an hour, to which it was
then discovered that he was detained at the central police station.
The police detained
Ngarivhume for more than five hours without any charge. His lawyers were only allowed access
a few hours into the detention.
Police ultimately charged Ngarivhume with inciting public
violence emanating from a presser which was held on 16 July 2020 at the media Centre where
Ngarivhume echoed a clarion call for the masses to demonstrate against corruption and grand
looting on the 31st
of July.
Ngarivhume is the convener of the 31st
July demonstration against
corruption and looting while also calling for United States dollar salaries for all civil servants.
The desperate Mnangagwa government has resorted to arresting law abiding citizens while
established criminals perched in high offices are left walking scot-free. The struggle for a free
and progressive Zimbabwe will not be stopped by any fear mongering tactics of the regime.
Transform Zimbabwe believes that the arrest of Jacob Ngarivhume has become fuel for the 31st
July demonstration.
Transform Zimbabwe would also like to express utmost disgust at the abduction of journalist
Hopewell Chin’ono from his house today.
The attack on Hopewell, a journalist, shows the
regime will not stop at anything in its quest to muzzle prodemocracy voices. The people will
ultimately prevail.
Transform Zimbabwe demands the immediate release of Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell
Chin`ono from illegal detention.
Transform Zimbabwe Communications
Communications Secretary
HandeiVanoenda, AsambeniAbahambayo
Transform Zimbabwe www.tz.co.zw @TransformZim; @jngarivh
