Brief speech by Abigail Mupambi on Monday | ZimEye | We left town at around five. I was driving, with Nadia and other colleagues, whom I dropped off in town. I was the one who dropped Nadia at her gate. I was also the one speaking with her as she entered the house because she was sharing that there was no electricity. You know how general conversations go.
About 15 minutes later, Nadia tried to reach out to me, but I did not pick up. I proceeded to my place. Later on, a colleague called me, asking, “Are you safe?” I was confused, wondering what kind of question that was. They had received a hint about Nadia—in a crying mode.
At around 10 PM, I checked only the text messages, and by half past 7 PM, we started sensing that something could be wrong. We tried to call multiple numbers, even those of her sisters who stayed with her, but none were going through.
By 5 AM the next morning, I was at Nadia’s place. That’s when I learned from her kids that their mother had arrived home the previous day at around 6:30 PM. Upon arrival, she had a conversation with them. They told her that people had come earlier in the afternoon, looking for her. One of the kids had not gone to school due to feeling unwell, and the visitors had been asking questions:
• What time does your mom come back?
• Where does she work?
• Other particulars about her.
Immediately after this conversation, towards 7 PM, Nadia left to lock the gate. That was the last time she was seen. From that very evening until yesterday, when she was found dumped in a field, she had been missing. This was very unusual.
We later learned that on that same Wednesday, while we were at court, a CID officer was spotted at a certain place around noon. As procedures were ongoing, there were reports of a CID visit to Nadia’s house. The officer later confirmed the visit but denied any involvement in her disappearance.
Nadia’s mysterious disappearance led to a national outcry. It is unheard of that an individual can simply go missing—especially on the very same day they were in court, negotiating in the afternoon, only to disappear by nightfall.
This incident reminds us of the critical role of the rule of law in our country. We strongly feel that personal security is being tampered with. The will of individuals is being manipulated by those in positions of power. Some individuals, wearing the jackets of political parties, are using their influence to suppress the weaker members of society.
Why has there been such an outcry around Matiza and Marapira? I came across a statement from Director Marapira, who, with all due respect, said, “Please don’t involve me.” I was shocked. I think no one is accusing Director Marapira directly, but he is indeed a key player in this matter.
From the very beginning, he facilitated the arrival of an individual whom we still believe to be a thug—someone who has caused us great pain. We strongly believe that this individual is hiding behind political connections, which he is even abusing.
Two days ago, during the search for Nadia, we were shocked to learn that, for the first time, Matiza showed up at the Green River project. He had never visited before. Yet, during Nadia’s disappearance, he appeared at the project, taking pictures and posting them on social media in a celebratory manner. That behavior is not only uncalled for but primitive.
This is the true character of Matiza, and it must be exposed. As the women of Zimbabwe, we refuse to accept this. We are prepared to go all the way to defend the position of women, the principle of proper economic empowerment, and the transition to real economic development.
Our President is working hard every day to lead the nation toward economic transformation. Yet, there are individuals who want to hide behind political parties to manipulate the system. Let me offer free advice to political leaders: these individuals are undermining the resolutions of their own parties.
I personally attended the ZANU-PF resolutions in Zambia last year. Nowhere did I see a resolution that permits:
• The abduction of people,
• The seizure of other people’s businesses,
• The suppression of justice.
So why is an individual trying to politicize what is clearly an economic dispute—one that stems from a business transaction? There is no ZANU-PF resolution that endorses such criminal behavior.
As such, we call upon the leadership of ZANU-PF and other political parties to take a stand. This issue is not unique to one party; it has been happening across the board. We urge political leaders to help root out such individuals and let them face justice. No one should be allowed to hide behind a party jacket.
ZANU-PF is one thing. Matiza is another. Marapira is another. I am an individual.
We were disappointed to see certain groups defending actions they don’t even understand. Green River is a project that started years ago. It does not belong to Matiza. It does not belong to an individual who sneaked in through the back door.
If he genuinely contributed, we are always open to discussing his role in a proper manner. But we will not allow individuals to take advantage of the system to undermine justice.