By Political Reporter-Former leader of the once-feared Chipangano militia, Jim Kunaka’s home has been reduced to ashes.
Kunaka’s home was burnt down in a suspected arson attack by unknown assailants in the early hours of Thursday.
Now a vocal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration, Kunaka has described the incident as an act of political retribution aimed at silencing him.
His neighbors reported hearing unusual sounds before the blaze but were too afraid to intervene.
Emergency services were called but arrived too late to save the structure.
Kunaka, visibly shaken but defiant, addressed the media at the scene, stating, “This was not an accident. This was a deliberate attack. They think they can intimidate me into silence, but I will not stop exposing the injustices of this regime.”
Jim Kunaka once wielded significant power as the leader of Chipangano, a shadowy militia linked to the ruling party.
The group was notorious for enforcing the party’s will through intimidation, violence, and extortion, especially in Harare’s urban areas.
Kunaka, however, fell out of favor with the party and has since become one of its fiercest critics, accusing Mnangagwa’s administration of corruption, electoral fraud, and human rights abuses.
Kunaka has aligned himself with opposition movements and civil society organisations in recent years, calling for democratic reforms and accountability.
His transformation from a Zanu-PF enforcer to an outspoken opponent has made him a target for threats and harassment.
Kunaka’s home is not the first to be targeted in what many see as a growing pattern of attacks on dissenting voices.
Activists, journalists, and opposition leaders have long accused the government of using violence and intimidation to suppress criticism.
The government, however, routinely denies involvement in such incidents, attributing them to random acts of criminality.
Human rights organisations have condemned the attack, urging the Zimbabwean authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. “This incident is a chilling reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to speak out against the state,” said a representative from Amnesty International. “The government must ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
The local community has expressed outrage and fear following the attack. “If they can do this to someone like Kunaka, who else is safe?” asked one resident, who requested anonymity.
Many residents believe the attack was politically motivated and aimed at sending a message to anyone challenging the status quo.