By A Correspondent| Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists were last week abducted in a chilling escalation of political violence that has left many opposition members fearing for their lives.

Among the abducted activists is Primrose Moyo (32) from Harare’s ward 41, who says she endured abduction and torture at the hands of suspected state security agents and Zanu PF militia for leading electoral campaigns for her party.

Moyo’s ward was one of 28 that faced by-elections following the controversial recalls of MPs and councillors triggered by factional battles within the former MDC Alliance. Douglas Mwonzora, who was granted legal control of the party by the courts, orchestrated the recalls, creating political instability.

Despite the risks, Moyo vigorously campaigned for her party candidates resulting in numerous warnings and threats from suspected state agents and ruling party thugs.

Moyo is no stranger to the dangers of political dissent in Zimbabwe after she narrowly survived the August 1, 2018 shootings in central Harare, when soldiers opened fire on civilians protesting the disputed election that was controversially won by Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“I escaped unhurt. Many were arrested,” she recalled of that tragic day — an experience that only strengthened her resolve to fight for change.

As part of her work, Moyo and her colleagues have gone on the offensive mobilizing young people to join their party. This irked ruling party thugs have been frequently visiting her home, issuing death threats to intimidate her.

Moyo reported the threats to the police, but her complaints were ignored. A sympathetic female officer privately advised her to give up political activities, admitting that the police had orders not to act against Zanu PF supporters.

Facing pressure from both authorities and her own relatives — who feared guilt by association — Moyo persisted. However, her decision to shift meetings to a new location led to an even more terrifying ordeal.

While en route to a meeting, Moyo and two fellow activists were abducted by armed men who blindfolded them and transported them to an isolated building.

Over two harrowing days, they were subjected to emotional and physical abuse by men claiming to be war veterans. The captors accused them of betraying the liberation struggle by supporting CCC, branding them “ungrateful born-frees.”

“They made us stand in a line and slapped us over and over again,” Moyo said.

They were later dumped in a remote bush area, with threats of death if they resumed their political activities.

Attempts to seek justice once again proved futile as police showed little interest in their complaints, advising them merely to “stay at home” unless threatened again.